Hhrf-Heti-Czu Conference in Prague 2026

🎤 Speaker Announcement

We are pleased to welcome Štěpán Zítek, PhD, from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, to the HHRF • HETI • CZU International Symposium.

Štěpán Zítek is an academic staff member and research project manager at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, where he teaches in the Bachelor's degree programme Animal-Assisted Services, with a particular focus on Equine Assisted Services (EAS).

In 2025, he completed his doctoral studies with a dissertation examining the effects of equine-assisted therapy on the physical and psychological condition of clients. His current research focuses on the efficacy of Equine Assisted Services, equine welfare, and the biomechanics of equine movement within EAS.

Alongside his academic and research work, Štěpán is an active recreational rider and regularly serves as an equine handler during EAS sessions, bringing valuable practical experience to his research and teaching.

Join us in Prague to hear the latest findings from one of the emerging researchers contributing to the future development of Equine Assisted Services.

📍 HHRF • HETI • CZU International Symposium
📅 19–20 September 2026
🌍 Prague & Online

🎤 Speaker Announcement

We are honoured to welcome Jo Anne Miller to the HHRF • HETI • CZU International Symposium.

Jo Anne Miller is the Executive Director of Brook Hill Farm, a fully accredited equine rescue recognised by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, as well as a PATH International Premier Accredited Therapeutic Riding Centre. Under her leadership, rescued equines play a central role in programmes that support both human and equine well-being.

A retired Professor of Equine Science at Randolph College, Jo Anne is a published researcher and author whose work has appeared in the HETI Journal, PATH International Strides, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Magazine, Horse Illustrated, and other leading publications. She also co-developed the Equine Curriculum for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A passionate advocate for evidence-based equine welfare, Jo Anne has held numerous leadership positions within national and international organisations. She currently serves as Chair of the Equus Foundation’s Equine Welfare Advisory Group, sits on the Board of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF), and co-chairs the HHRF Well-Being Committee. She previously served as Co-Chair of the PATH International Equine Welfare Committee and as a member of the HETI Equine Welfare Committee.

Jo Anne regularly presents nationally and internationally on equine welfare and the science of human–equine interactions, helping to advance best practice across the Equine Assisted Services sector.

📍 HHRF • HETI • CZU International Symposium
📅 19–20 September 2026
🌍 Prague & Online

🌍 Good news!

The Early Bird registration for the HHRF, HETI & CZU International Prague Symposium has been extended until 15 June 2026.

Whether you plan to join us in Prague or participate online via live stream, this is your opportunity to connect with researchers, practitioners, educators, and students from around the world.

For the first time, the symposium will be accessible globally through live-stream participation, making it possible to join this international event from wherever you are.

📅 19–20 September 2026
📍 Prague, Czech Republic
💻 In-person & Live Stream participation available
🗣 All presentations in English

Take advantage of the extended Early Bird rate and secure your place today.

Register here:
https://www.horsesandhumans.org/conferences

🎤 Keynote Speaker Announcement

We are delighted to welcome Sanna Mattila-Rautiainen, MSc (Exercise Medicine), Physiotherapist, Equine-Assisted Therapist (SRT), Finland.

Sanna is a doctoral researcher in biomedicine at the University of Eastern Finland and a highly respected clinician with more than 35 years of experience in Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT). Throughout her career, she has played a significant role in developing equine-assisted therapy in Finland as a practitioner, educator, researcher, and advocate.

Her current research explores the biomechanical and psychosocial effects of Equine-Assisted Physiotherapy (EAPT), with a particular focus on chronic low back pain rehabilitation, gait kinematics, and the therapeutic interaction between equine and human movement.

Sanna also served as HETI President from 2015 to 2021, contributing substantially to the international development of Equine Assisted Services.

Join us in Prague this September to learn from one of the field's most experienced clinicians and researchers.

📍 HHRF • HETI • CZU International Symposium
📅 19–20 September 2026
🌍 Prague & Online

Register at - https://horsesandhumans.networkforgood.com/events/99151-hhrf-heti-and-czu-international-prague-symposium



Horses and Humans Research Foundation
Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze
HETI - Horses in Education and Therapy International

Call for Poster Presentations: Join us in Prague this September!

Are you conducting research on human-horse interaction, equine well-being, or equine-assisted services? The HHRF, HETI, and CZU International Symposium is now accepting poster submissions!

While our main speaker program is finalised, we are opening the floor for researchers, practitioners, and students to present their latest findings.

Key Themes include:
Horse–human communication & interaction
Equine well-being, welfare, and quality of life
Equine-assisted services (EAS)
Methodological innovations in equine research

Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026
Symposium Dates: September 19–20, 2026
Don't miss this opportunity to bridge research and application with a global audience.

Full guidelines and submission process via this link: https://forms.gle/gjtCYRXVm3tPgx1PA

🌍 Join the HHRF & HETI & CZU International Prague Symposium from anywhere in the world!

For the first time, the HHRF conference will be available as a live stream, making this international gathering accessible far beyond Prague.

Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, student, educator, or simply interested in Equine Assisted Services, equine well-being, and horse–human interaction, you can now be part of the discussions from every corner of the globe.

📢 Early Bird registration ends on 31 May 2026 — don’t miss the reduced registration fee.

📍 Prague, Czech Republic
📅 19–20 September 2026
💻 In-person & Live Stream participation available
🗣 All presentations in English

Join international experts and the global EAS community for two inspiring days of research, collaboration, and interdisciplinary discussion.

Register here:
https://horsesandhumans.networkforgood.com/events/99151-hhrf-heti-and-czu-international-prague-symposium

Early Bird Registration ends on 31 May 2026!
Register at https://horsesandhumans.networkforgood.com/events/99151-hhrf-and-heti-international-prague-symposium

REGISTRATION is OPEN!
Join us in Prague for the HHRF, HETI & CZU International Symposium — a unique international event connecting research, clinical practice, and equine welfare science in Equine Assisted Services (EAS).

https://horsesandhumans.networkforgood.com/events/99151-hhrf-heti-and-czu-international-prague-symposium

📍 Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
📅 19–20 September 2026
🌍 In-person & live stream
🗣 All presentations in English

Researchers, practitioners, educators, and professionals from around the world will come together for keynote presentations, lightning research rounds, expert panels, and interdisciplinary discussions focused on horse–human interaction, equine well-being, and the future of EAS.

What to expect:
• Current research and emerging trends in EAS
• Equine welfare and well-being perspectives
• International networking and collaboration
• Research-informed practical insights
• Access to symposium recordings for a limited time

Organised in collaboration with Horses and Humans Research Foundation, HETI, and Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.

HETI - Horses in Education and Therapy International
Horses and Humans Research Foundation
Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Děkujeme Míše Burdové ze Sdružení Ambra za krásný shrnující článek o naší konferenci.

Česká hiporehabilitační společnost letos slaví 30. jubileum. Vydala při této příležitosti o své historii knihu a uspořádala evropskou konferenci, o níž se všichni účastníci vyjadřují v superlativech. Podrobnosti v dnešním článku: https://www.equichannel.cz/evropska-konference-o-hiporehabilitaci-2021-chs-nasadila-latku-hodne-vysoko

EFL in practice. HPSP v praxi.

2021-09 European Conference on EFT Rainbow dream European Conference on Equine Facilitated Therapy, Prague 10-11 SeptemberVideos from Saturday workshops.Feel free to share :) www.chs-cr.com