Research on human-animal interactions is still relatively new. Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone). Animals can serve as a source of comfort and support. Therapy dogs are especially good at this. They’re sometimes brought into hospitals or nursing homes to help reduce patients’ stress and anxiety. We also know that pets in general and trained therapy animals such as horses and dogs can lower blood pressure, and also reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support and boost your mood.

“Animals are very present. If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit there and be loving,” says Dr. Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the NIH Clinical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland. “Their attention is focused on the person all the time.” We are very lucky to have an organisation in South East Queensland known as “Life with Horses”. Not only do they give a second chance to retired racehorses, but they provide Equine Therapy to those living with mental health conditions and others struggles, please visit the link below to discover how you can support the Organisation and also to see if anyone you know may benefit from these amazing programs.

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https://www.lifewithhorses.com.au.