The research, funded by the University of Bedfordshire and the British Horse Society (BHS), will be led by Vicki Newton, a PhD student currently studying with the University’s Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR).

The survey is open until the end of January and you can click here to take part. If you are a horse owner, rider, or volunteer at an equestrian centre and over the age of 16, the researchers want to hear about your experiences.

The research aims to contribute to our understanding of what relationships with equines, such as horses, ponies and donkeys, can mean for our mental health and wellbeing. Studies within the research will examine the experiences of the equine community and those without interaction with such animals.

Speaking about this new project, Vicki said: “The research is engaging with people across a diverse range of contexts and environments, including those who currently participate in equestrian activities as well as those who don't. We hope to add to the discussion on what motivates people to participate from a healthcare perspective, and better understand the barriers that have prevented others from getting involved.

“Through this, we hope to establish how individuals might best access equines in the future through green social prescription initiatives within their local community to benefit their mental health and wellbeing.”

Professor Angel Chater, Professor in Health Psychology and Behaviour Change and one of Vicki’s supervisors for the research, added: “We are excited that this research will give us the opportunity to understand how interacting with horses and other equines may influence people’s mental health and wellbeing. This aligns with a core theme of the Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research on health, wellbeing and behaviour change.

“We hope that findings from this work can provide evidence to support the development of future interventions to help optimise people’s mental health in a novel way that also draws on the benefits of nature and green space.”