Horses and humans have shared an incredible bond since ancient times.
While dogs get most of the attention as “man’s best friend,” there’s no doubt that horses have just as much of a connection, if not moreso, to people in numerous ways.
Recently, studies conducted by the Institute of HeartMath provided clues to explain the science behind why humans and horses seem to share such a special bond, and also why both species feel as though they are being healed in the presence of the other.
It has a lot to do with what is arguably the most powerful organ in the body, whether human or animal, and it can be measured in ways that science is just now understanding.
This is Why Humans Feel Better Around Horses, Studies Show
While poring over research in this field, the researchers were able to discover that the human heart is a big reason for this bond that has been strengthened over generations.
They found that the heart has a larger electromagnetic field and higher level of intelligence than the brain.
This phenomenon has been measured by a magnetometer, which is able to demonstrate the heart’s energy field radiating up to 8 to 10 feet around the human body.
To make matters even more compelling, they also discovered that the horse’s heart is five times larger than the human one (shown in a sphere-shaped field by some digital mapping programs).
The horse’s electromagnetic heart field is so strong that it has even been shown to directly influence our own heart rhythms!
Horses Found to Have a “Coherent” Heart Rhythm
In addition to the sheer strength of a horse’s heart, these beautiful and majestic animals also have been found to possess what has been called a “coherent heart rhythm (heart rate pattern),” or HRV, which is said to be a “robust measure of well-being consistent with emotional states of calm and joy.”
These are the patterns humans exhibit when we feel positive emotions.
A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adjust to stressful situations very efficiently.
“Often times, we only need to be in a horses presence to feel a sense of wellness and peace,” a post from HeartMath.org stated.
“In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses, including lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain surppressors) decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning; and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-efficacy.”