NORDHEAL – Network for researchers in equine-assisted interventions for health, quality of life and learning
The network for researchers in equine-assisted interventions for health, quality of life and learning serves as a Nordic platform for researchers studying the experiences and effects of incorporating horses into the work of healthcare professionals, social work and educational settings.
By pooling knowledge from various disciplines, a shared, interdisciplinary knowledge base is created regarding the experiences and health outcomes associated with combining equine- and nature-assisted interventions with traditional care, support,and educational practices.
About the network
The research network was founded by active researchers within the Organization for Equine-Assisted Interventions (OHI), building upon a supplementary training program at the Equestrian Sports Folk High School (Hästsportens Folkhögskola) that has brought together clinically active, licensed practitioners of equine-assisted interventions in Sweden since 2017. The research network was established in 2020 and meets digitally twice a year.
The network has been established to strengthen knowledge development in the field of horse-assisted interventions within healthcare, education, and social care, and to create a common platform for research, theory development and education.
The network’s overall goals are to:
- Create a meeting place for researchers in the field
- Develop forms of collaboration among members
- Create forums for the development of the field of knowledge
- Stimulate interdisciplinary research projects
Activities
- OHI’s national research network organised the 5th Nordic Research Seminar on Equine-Assisted Interventions at Halmstad University in 2024.
- A workshop featuring a PhD seminar was held in Växjö in 2026.
Participants of the network
- Elisabeth Argenzell, Docent (reader) in Occupational Therapy, Lund University
- Linda Fridén, Doctoral student in Health and Lifestyle, Halmstad University
- Annika Gustafsson, Doctoral student, Halmstad University
- Marie Gudmundsson, Doctoral student, Lund University
- Mia Harri, Master of Arts in Child and Youth Studies
- Eva Hjort-Telhede, Registered Nurse, PhD, Halmstad University
- Nelli Holm, Master of Science in Education, Doctoral student, Malmö University
- Sara Holmberg, Docent (reader) in General Practice, Research Unit Region Kronoberg, affiliated with Linnaeus University
- Margareta Håkanson, Licentiate of Medical Science in General Practice, affiliated with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Registered Physiotherapist, Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychosomatics
- Henrika Jormfeldt, Professor in Nursing, Halmstad University
- Susanne Larsson, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Linköping University
- Emma Lindeblad, Psychologist, Psychotherapist and Senior Lecturer, Linnaeus University
- Sanna Mattila-Rautiainen, Doctoral student and Physiotherapist, University of Eastern Finland
- Rita Stukenborg, Master's degree, Münster, Germany, Social Worker/Social Educator, Registered Physiotherapist
- Tobba Sudmann, Professor and Physiotherapist, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- Christine Wadefjord, MSc in Psychology
- Louice Östgaard, Specialist Physiotherapist in Mental Health, Master's degree, Karolinska Institutet (KI)
A growing field of research
Equine-assisted interventions have been part of the Swedish healthcare system since the late 1950s. Patients with neurological conditions, and children in particular, have been able to receive effective, systematic motor training during their formative years by incorporating riding into their habilitation programs. Riding for riders with disabilities also has a long-standing tradition within the equestrian community, as therapeutic riding created a demand for adapted leisure activities. Since the late 20th century, Para-dressage has also been an Olympic discipline for elite riders with varying levels of functional ability.
Contemporary societal challenges—such as widespread mental ill-health, self-harming behaviour, low levels of physical activity, polarization, and school attendance issues, require innovative, alternative interventions. Involving horses across various sectors of society can serve as one of several evidence-based measures.
The NORDHEAL research group is interdisciplinary, possessing extensive experience in research design and scientific methodology across diverse target groups; the team currently comprises physicians, a psychologist, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and an ethologist. International research has shown that horses contribute to meaningful contexts for people with varying challenges and abilities.
Interacting with horses has a positive impact on human health in several ways:
- Directly, through the physical effects of movement during mounted exercises.
- Indirectly, through increased physical activity levels during tasks involving and surrounding the horse.
- By boosting motivation to participate in an activity.
- By fostering a sense of social belonging.
- By contributing to an identity as an active rider or horse enthusiast.
Human health depends on its ecological context. The concept of "One Health" is relevant to the research field of animal- and nature-assisted health. There are proven links between animal welfare and the health outcomes achieved by participants in these interventions. Consequently, horse welfare and ethology are included in this research field alongside human health and well-being in the context of nature experiences. The intervention is holistic and cannot be separated from the environment in which it takes place or from the individuals involved in the process.
Scientific relevance in a historical perspective
The field of research is young; the first scientific article on equine-assisted interventions – published in 1988 – focused on the impact of the horse's movement on human gait.
In Germany and the English-speaking world, stables and horseback riding have been utilized in neurological rehabilitation. In Norway, psychiatric and rehabilitation hospitals have maintained their own stables and horses for decades. Clinical evidence has emerged among physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and physicians, as well as within the field of social work. While there is extensive, solid clinical experience, research in the area is still in its early stages.
During the 2000s, the psychological and social health benefits associated with interacting with animals and spending time in nature have gained increasing attention, both nationally and internationally. Since 2012, five Nordic research seminars have been held through a collaboration between the Organization for Equine-Assisted Interventions and Ersta Sköndal University College (now Marie Cederskiöld University). The fifth seminar was an international research event held at Halmstad University in September 2024. Professor Henrika Jormfeldt of Halmstad University leads the Nordic network NORDHEAL, which brings together researchers in the field of equine-assisted interventions.
