Dr. Brenda Abbey

Based on the principles of developmental neuroscience and developmental attachment, doctor Brenda E. Abbey will share an understanding of the hierarchy and structure of the human brain. New applied research suggests that the brain changes and can reshape the neural pathways in response to novel experiences will interact with horses. She will discuss the intertwining nature of attachment and brain-based research and how it impacts and re-patterns the brain’s limbic system within the context of the experiential nature of forming relationships with horses.

Doctor Brenda E. Abbey is a Cognitive Educational Consultant currently in private practice in Calgary Alberta. She graduated with a Doctorate in Applied Research & Educational Cognitive Psychology from the University of Toronto, is a lifetime Alberta certified Special Education teacher and also has training in Equine Facilitated Wellness.

During her career in both Alberta and Ontario, she has worked collaboratively with educators, medical an community professionals to coordinate the most appropriate therapeutic and educational interventions for children and youth who have been diagnosed with complex learning an emotional needs.

Influenced by her veterinarian father (Dr. Ken Abbey) Dr. Brenda E. Abbey has been a horse owner an equine enthusiast since the age of 7 and for the last 20 years has been a dedicated owner/breeder of Alberta bred racing thoroughbreds as well as an advocate for the horse racing and breeding industry in Alberta. Her homebred mares and foals are therapy partners in her program Healing with Horses for Children and she is also involved in promising Applied Research about how interaction with horses can re-pattern the brain’s neural pathways.