In this episode we sit down with a powerhouse panel of researchers and practitioners to talk about a groundbreaking, high risk study breaking down the silos in Equine-Assisted Services (EAS). Funded by the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF), this study is the very first to measure real time neurophysiological brain activity in children with autism while on horseback, while simultaneously tracking the physiology of both the horse and the horse leader.

Our guests discuss the incredible value of participatory research, how data driven outcomes are reshaping everyday center programming, and why "humble curiosity" is the secret sauce to successful academic and practitioner partnerships.

🎙️ Meet the Guests

Tamara Merritt – Director of Program Innovation and Research at Hearts and Horses (Loveland, CO)

Dr. Corey Smith – Associate Professor at Baylor University specializing in neurophysiological monitoring

Dr. Claire Thomas-Pino – Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University (UK), Chair of the HHRF Scientific Advisory Council, and HHRF Board Director

In this Episode We Cover:

- Overcoming Funding Barriers for "High Risk" Innovative Science

- From the Lab to the Arena: What Sparks a Researcher's Passion for EAS?

- Building a Cross Disciplinary "Dream Team"

- Why Having a Dedicated Research Coordinator Matters

- Global Research Guidelines & Validating Practitioner Experience

-When Research is a Gamble: Staying Open to Unexpected Data

- Advice for Centers and Researchers Looking to Connect and Collaborate

-Research Informed Programming

- Translating Academic Data into Functional Center Resources

- Why You Don't Need a Medical Degree to Stay Curious

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

HETRA Website: https://hetra.org

HETRA Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

Funding & Support: https://www.horsesandhumans.org

Hearts and Horses Programming & Manuals: Check out the Education tab on https://www.heartsandhorses.org