Microenvironments within equine facilities feature many sources of air contaminants that can harm horses and humans alike. University of Kentucky College of Public Health faculty member and longtime equestrian Kimberly I. Tumlin, PhD, MS, MPH, wondered if the risks associated with air contaminants could alter the benefits of equine-assisted activities/therapies (EAA/T). People use EAA/T to improve their physical, cognitive, or emotional health through intentional interactions with horses.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-funded University of Cincinnati Education and Research Center has awarded Tumlin a pilot research grant to examine this important topic.

Air contaminants vary on horse farms, and exposures are a universal challenge. To establish a baseline understanding of work practices and potential exposures, Tumlin is recruiting EAA/T center directors and volunteer coordinators to complete an Equine Assisted Activities/Therapies Volunteer Worker Survey. This survey builds on 2018 research done by Staci McGill, a UK doctoral student in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, on indoor arenas. Based on the diversity and location of their services, some EAA/T facilities rely on indoor or covered facilities. Previous research by McGill identified dust as a concern in 85% of horse indoor arenas.

“This research is the first step in developing understanding of the balance between risks and benefits of the horse-human interaction,” Tumlin said