Music therapy, often used for humans to promote calmness, focus, and well-being, is increasingly being recognized as beneficial for animals, particularly horses. Horses, known for their sensitive and responsive natures, appear to have unique reactions to music, especially in therapeutic settings. Equine therapy, which helps humans through structured interactions with horses, has increasingly integrated music to support both the horses and their human counterparts. In various studies and real-world settings, live music has been observed to encourage calmness and increase engagement in horses, revealing fascinating insights into their responsiveness and preferences.
Horses’ Natural Sensitivity to Sound
Horses have an acute sense of hearing, which allows them to pick up on a broad range of sounds. This sensitivity not only helps them detect danger in the wild but also means they’re highly responsive to different tones and rhythms. Horses can hear frequencies ranging from 55 Hz to 33.5 kHz, broader than humans’ range. As a result, their responses to music can vary, depending on the pitch, tempo, and genre.
The introduction of music in therapeutic settings, particularly equine-assisted therapy, capitalizes on these sensory capabilities. Horses’ reactions to music can indicate their comfort level, stress, or curiosity. Observing these reactions allows therapists to select specific genres and rhythms to suit each horse’s personality and needs.
Calming Effects of Music in Equine Therapy
Music has been increasingly integrated into therapeutic settings, especially in working with horses that assist individuals with PTSD, autism, or anxiety. Some research has shown that slow, calming music, such as classical compositions, can lower a horse’s heart rate, reduce nervous behaviours (like pawing or shifting), and increase relaxation, as indicated by head-lowering, ear positioning, and even slower blinking.
Case Study: Equine Therapy with Live Music at Healing Farms in Texas
One example comes from Healing Farms, a Texas-based therapeutic riding center. Here, equine therapists began incorporating live music sessions, primarily classical guitar and flute, to see if it would improve the experience for both horses and riders. This therapeutic environment involved various breeds, including Quarter Horses, Arabians, and Haflingers, known for their gentle temperaments.
In one session, an Arabian gelding named Sultan was noticeably anxious during therapeutic rides with a young participant who had autism. The center tried playing live classical guitar, with slow and rhythmic patterns. Observers noted that Sultan’s previously tense stance relaxed, his breathing slowed, and he held his head at a more comfortable level, a sign of reduced stress. Sultan’s rider, sensing the horse’s calmness, also began to relax, creating a positive feedback loop between the two. Over several months, the integration of live music was found to help Sultan and several other therapy horses respond more calmly, facilitating better outcomes for the riders as well.
Music Preferences: What Genres Resonate with Horses?
While horses’ responses can vary based on individual temperament, there are certain genres and tempos that seem to resonate widely among them. Research and observational studies suggest that horses respond most favourably to soft classical music, instrumental folk, and even certain types of jazz with slow rhythms. These genres are believed to mimic the steady, rhythmic sounds of a relaxed heartbeat, which horses find comforting.
Contrarily, fast-paced genres like rock or electronic music can increase stress levels in horses, leading to signs of discomfort such as tail-swishing, head-tossing, or pawing. A 2013 study conducted by Nottingham Trent University in the UK found that horses exposed to classical music displayed fewer stress-related behaviours, while those subjected to heavy rock music showed signs of agitation.
Case Study: The Use of Music in Equine Therapy in the UK
At the Equine Assisted Therapy Centre in Nottinghamshire, UK, therapists experimented with different music genres to support their therapy horses. They found that breeds like the Irish Cob and Welsh Pony, known for their calm demeanours, were particularly responsive to gentle pianohttps://goldenscissors.info/category/string-instruments/keyed-string-instruments/ and string compositions. During sessions, the horses’ heart rates were monitored and found to decrease significantly when soft music played in the background.
The center also noticed that older horses, particularly those over 15 years, showed heightened sensitivity to calming music. Horses in this age group, like Irish Cob gelding Teddy, would stand with their ears relaxed and eyes half-closed, visibly at ease. Younger, more spirited breeds like Thoroughbreds were a bit more selective; while they responded positively to music, it was observed that they preferred pieces with slightly faster tempos and more varied rhythm.
Benefits of Music Therapy for Horses and Handlers
The calming influence of music doesn’t only benefit the horses; it positively impacts their handlers, owners, and the individuals receiving therapy. By creating a serene environment, music helps foster a stronger bond between horse and rider, which is crucial in equine-assisted therapy where trust and communication are key.
For instance, horses involved in therapeutic riding often carry individuals with physical or emotional challenges. When these horses remain calm and engaged, they are more responsive to their riders’ needs. A calm horse allows a rider with PTSD or anxiety to feel secure, which can lead to significant improvements in the therapeutic process. Music plays a role in helping both horse and rider to remain relaxed, supporting a safe and productive environment.
Selecting the Right Horses for Music Therapy
Not every horse responds to music in the same way, and temperament, breed, and age can all play roles in how well a horse reacts to musical cues. Breeds with calm temperaments, such as Quarter Horses, Haflingers, and Irish Cobs, tend to be more receptive to music therapy. Older horses, as seen in studies at the Equine Assisted Therapy Centre in the UK, often show a stronger reaction to music, potentially because of their maturity and familiarity with human interaction.
Future Research and Applications
While existing case studies and observations provide valuable insights, more formal research is underway. Universities and therapy centers across Europe and North America are examining how to quantify the effects of music on horses more precisely. This includes measuring physiological changes like heart rate variability and cortisol levels, alongside behavioural observations.
