Distinguished Bustad Lecture to focus on the human‑horse relationship

An expert in equine-assisted mental health and the human-animal bond will deliver this year's Distinguished Bustad Lecture at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Katy Schroeder, an associate professor of counseling at the University of Iowa, will present "The Dynamics of Reciprocity: Perspective-Taking in Human-Horse Relationships," exploring how interactions between people and horses can support mental health for both species, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 27, on the WSU Pullman campus.

Schroeder's work focuses on understanding how horses and humans influence one another in therapeutic settings, a perspective that is essential to creating meaningful and ethical outcomes.

"In order for the human to have a positive outcome, we also have to simultaneously promote the welfare of the horse," she said. "We can't have a truly helpful interaction if both sides aren't having a positive experience."

Schroeder's work began with a lifelong connection to horses. Before entering the counseling field, she trained and competed in three-dayeventing, an experience that shaped her career trajectory. After earning her undergraduate degree, she began exploring work in the helping professions, eventually volunteering at a therapeutic riding center - an experience that connected her passion for horses with mental health care.

"I started to see the ways horses could be incorporated into human health services," she said. "That really set me on my current path."

Schroeder went on to earn a master's degree in counseling and a PhD, combining clinical practice with research on the benefits of included horse interactions in counseling. Her work has examined women's trauma recovery and lifestyle interventions for children, while also exploring more broadly how horses respond to being included in human services.

Often, we focus on the benefits to the person. But I want to center the horse's perspective and ask, 'What makes this a positive experience for them, too?'

Her presentation will highlight what she describes as a more reciprocal approach - one that considers the needs, behavior, and environment of the horse alongside the goals of the human participant.

"Often, we focus on the benefits to the person," she said. "But I want to center the horse's perspective and ask, 'What makes this a positive experience for them, too?'"

That perspective has important implications for veterinarians, who Schroeder says play a critical role beyond providing traditional medical care for horses in human services.

"There's so much more than just physical soundness," she said. "Veterinarians can help evaluate behavior, stress, and the horse's overall environment to make sure they're truly suited for this kind of work."

Equine-assisted services have grown in popularity in recent years, with programs across the country incorporating horses into mental health treatment. Schroeder said these interactions can offer unique benefits, particularly by helping clients stay present and focused.

"When a horse approaches someone and engages with them, it's incredibly powerful," she said. "It brings people into the present moment in a way that's hard to replicate in a traditional setting."

Established in honor of the late Dr. Leo K. Bustad, a pioneer in human-animal bond research and a former dean of the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, the annual lecture highlights the vital connections between animals and human health.

The Bustad Lecture is part of the college's annual Spring Conference and is open to students, faculty, practitioners, and the public.