A pilot observational study of horsemanship skills training for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

The research article is about a pilot study that investigates how training in horsemanship skills benefits veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Study Overview

In this article, the researchers conducted a pilot observational study exploring the positive impacts of equine-assisted services on veterans with PTSD. This involved two sessions of horsemanship skills instruction and two sessions of trail rides within the framework of a large Veterans Administration healthcare system.

Methods

• The primary measures taken into account were the safety and feasibility of the recruitment, retention, providing the intervention, and measuring outcomes. The acceptability of the program for the population studied was also investigated.
• During the 3-month long study, the researchers ensured no injuries in the participating 18 veterans, 6 staff members, or the 11 horses.
• The study originally roped in about 21 volunteers from a pool of roughly 1800 potential subjects. However, three dropped even before the start of the first session.

Results

• The overall attendance at these intervention sessions was 3%, and over half of the participants completed all sessions.
• The mean PACES (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale) score, which measures enjoyment during physical activity, was 109 (with a standard deviation of 12), ranging from 50-126.
• Preliminary results showed an increase in psychological flexibility and positive effect, which were measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, respectively.
• There was a notable decrease in PTSD and depressive symptoms as the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Beck Depression Inventory respectively measured.

Conclusions

• The study proposes that veterans can participate in such intervention with minimal risk.
• Risks aside, the intervention is feasible in terms of recruitment, management, implementation, and outcome measurement.
• The researchers acknowledged the challenges posed by weather and the potential need for provision of incentives for enhanced retention.
• Finally, the study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that non-therapeutic interventions, such as horsemanship, could be beneficial for the mental well-being of veterans grappling with PTSD.