Nervous System Tracking Through a “Ponyvagal” Lens

Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory provides a helpful map to make sense of nervous system states, behaviours, and capacity for relationship in mammals. This presentation will provide a translation of the polyvagal theory and how it can be applied to make sense of horse-human interactions, and will feature graphs and observational video to hone your  attunement to both yourself and others, whether the “others” are two- or four-legged.

Objectives:

• Understand the role of the three branches of the autonomic nervous system
• Recognize how neuroception can impact the activation cycle
• Identify cues that indicate existing nervous system states as they shift