The “Trickle Down” Effect: How Does Research Really Help? Introducing Science Open

<p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="first" dir="auto" id="d3580043e66">As the field of equine-assisted services grows, so does the need for accessible, evidence-based practices. To meet this need, the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) created a curated collection of equine-related research within Science Open, a no-cost, open-access research platform. This presentation introduced attendees to the HHRF Science Open Collection and demonstrated how to quickly locate, understand, and apply research findings that impact equine welfare, improve service delivery, and strengthen social license to operate. Real-world examples will highlight how data can guide ethical decision-making and support long-term program sustainability. <p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" dir="auto" id="d3580043e68"> <b>Bios</b> <p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" dir="auto" id="d3580043e73"> <b>Cheryl Meola, PhD, LCMHCS</b> <p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" dir="auto" id="d3580043e78">Dr.Meola is a licensed therapist, professor, and founder of a multi-clinician therapy practice specializing in experiential, nature-based, and animal-assisted interventions. She is committed to inclusivity,holistic wellness, and reconnecting with the rhythms of nature, promoting research that includes these values. Cheryl actively contributes to research through organizations like the Horses and Humans Research Foundation, where she works to translate science into best practices that support both human and equine well-being. <p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" dir="auto" id="d3580043e80"> <b>Justin Grant, MS Intern</b> <p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" dir="auto" id="d3580043e85">Justin hasa decade of experience as a Special Operations Combat Medic in the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, where he completed eight deployments and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After retiring due to combat injuries, he worked as a Critical Care Paramedic before discovering a deep passion for mental health and equine-assisted therapy. Justin is currently pursuing his MS in Clinical Psychology at Husson University with a concentration in Animal-Assisted Therapies and plans to continue on to a PhD exploring the human-animal bond. <p xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" dir="auto" id="d3580043e87"/>