Our Scholarship

Our scholarship explores the transformative potential of equine-assisted learning as a powerful, relationship-centered approach to education. Through a growing body of peer-reviewed publications and national and international presentations, our faculty investigate how learning with horses cultivates essential noncognitive competencies such as resilience, self-awareness, communication, and persistence—skills that are critical for academic success and lifelong growth. Our work has been featured in venues such as the Journal of College Academic Support Programs and presented at conferences including the Georgia Educational Research Association, the American Association of Adult & Continuing Education, and international gatherings focused on animal-assisted therapy and experiential learning. Across these platforms, we share evidence-based practices and emerging insights on how equine-assisted learning supports first-year student transitions, strengthens professional preparation in fields like healthcare, and fosters meaningful, reflective learning experiences. Grounded in both research and practice, our scholarship highlights the unique role horses play as partners in learning—helping students and educators alike deepen empathy, build confidence, and engage more fully in the educational journey.

 

Active Research Projects 

  • Through case studies we are exploring professional identity development in Speech Language Pathology graduate students who use equine-assisted therapy to help clients with memory loss. 
    • Manes and Memories: Exploring equine-assisted learning and professional identity development in Speech-Language Pathology graduate students; IRB Protocol Number H2620; Tory Candea, PhD, SLPD (PI), Sandra Mullis, CCC-SLP (co-PI), Kate Warner, PhD (co-PI), Gwen Scott Ruttencutter, PhD (co-PI) 
  • We are engaging in a collaborative autoethnographic study of Faculty Development Retreat for Learning and Leading with Horses.
    • S. Boddie, PhD, D. Chakrabati, PhD, R. Hannibal, PhD, P. Krispin, PhD, Ericka Parra, PhD, J. Landau, PhD, K. Warner, PhD, G. Ruttencutter, PhD 
  • Gwen is conducting ethnographic study examining experiences women who return to horsewomanship in their third-age.
    • IRB Protocol Number 04291-2022

 

Publications in Development 

Explore our ongoing research initiatives, where inquiry and impact come together to address real-world challenges. 

  • Ruttencutter, G. S., Warner, K., Candea, T., Johnson, M., & Rothman, N. Methods for facilitating reflective observation in Kolb’s Experiential Learning cycle within an equine-assisted learning course for first-year students.  
  • Warner, K., & Ruttencutter, G. S. But what do you want your life to have meant?:  Using Legacy statements to build a purpose-driven education for first-year students.  
  • Ruttencutter, G. S., & Warner, K. Bridles, belief, and becoming: Cultivating legacy and resilience in first-year students.  
  • Candea, T., Ruttencutter, G. S., Warner, K., & Laughlin. M. Legacy as learning: Identity development in equine-assisted learning first-year course. 
  • Candea, T., Ruttencutter, G. S., Warner, K., & Laughlin. M. Learning who we are: Finding academic and professional identity in an equine-assisted higher education course. 
  • Candea, T., Ruttencutter, G. S., Warner, K., & Laughlin. M. Noncognitive skill development in higher education: A quasi-experimental study of equine-assisted learning. 

 

Publications

 

Presentations

  • Warner, K., & Ruttencutter, G. S. (2026, Jan. 31). From transitions to transformation: Helping learners shape their educational legacy. Presentation at Georgia Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Macon, GA.
  • Ruttencutter, G. S., Mainor, L., & Reed, J. (2025, Nov. 18). What the horses can teach us: Fostering noncognitive skills for academic persistence and success through equine-assisted learning. Experiential Learning Exposition, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA.
  • Candea, T., Ruttencutter, G. S., & Warner, K. (2025, Nov. 18). Oh, My Horses! Reflections of Equine-Assisted Learning. Experiential Learning Exposition, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA.
  • Ruttencutter, G. S., Warner, K., & Candea, T. (2025, Oct. 16-17). Learning with the herd: Developing first-year students’ noncognitive skills through equine-assisted learning. Presentation at the 3rd International Scientific Conference Animal Assisted Therapy: Impact on Human Health and Future Prospects.
  • Candea, T., Warner, K., & Ruttencutter, G. S. (2025, Oct. 16-17). Manes and memories: An equine-assisted program bridging neurodegenerative care and graduate clinical training. Presentation at the 3rd International Scientific Conference Animal Assisted Therapy: Impact on Human Health and Future Prospects.
  • Candea, T., & Ruttencutter, G. S. (2025, Oct. 8 – 10). Soft skills, strong professionals: Equine-assisted learning in healthcare education. Presentation at the College Academic Support Programs (CASP) Conference.
  • Ruttencutter, G. S., & Warner, K. (2025, Sept. 26). Equine-inspired pedagogy: Teaching with empathy, patience, and partnership. Presentation at American Association of Adult & Continuing Education Conference.
  • Warner, K., & Ruttencutter, G. S. (2025, Jan. 24). Horsin’ around: Lessons learned from designing and facilitating a novel experiential learning course using equine-assisted learning. Presentation at Georgia Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Macon, GA.
  • Ruttencutter, G. S., & Warner, K. (2025, Jan. 24). From the paddock to the classroom: What our horses have taught us about teaching. Presentation at Georgia Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Macon, GA.
  • Ruttencutter, G. S., & Warner, K. (2024, Feb. 2). Making STRIDES: Incorporating equine-assisted learning in a first-year student experience course. Presentation at Georgia Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Macon, GA.
  • Warner, K., Ruttencutter, G. S., Kelley, H., & Laughlin, M. (2024, Jan. 3-7). Equine-assisted learning to promote retention, leadership, and growth mindset skills in first year college students. Presentation at IICAH2024 Conference, Honolulu, HI. 
  • Ruttencutter, G. S., & Warner, K. (2023, Oct. 3-6). Making STRIDES: Equine-assisted learning in higher education. Presentation at American Association of Adult & Continuing Education Conference.