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Equine-Assisted Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among First Responders.
Abstract: Equine-assisted therapy has emerged as an adjunctive integrative health modality in treating individuals experiencing physiological and psychological distress. However, limited research exists to assess the efficacy of such treatments as a possible adjunct to psychological treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in first responders. The current pilot study examines the additive benefits of equine-assisted exposure for first responders suffering occupational incapacitation from operational-related trauma. Seven first responders participated in an 8-week, 90-minute, equine-assisted therapy program. Primary outcome measures (i.e., anxiety, depression, trauma, inflexibility and avoidance) were administered pre- and post-intervention. Additional measures examined feelings about the self and views towards aspects of the program. Findings suggested initial support for symptom reduction, particularly for depressive and trauma-related symptoms. Qualitative feedback from participants suggested significant benefits including increased sense of peace, reduced anxiety, mindfulness, and increased trust in the self and others. To our knowledge, this is the first study to directly examine clinical outcomes of first responders with PTSD participating in equine-assisted therapy and presents a promising adjunct to care in first responders moving forward.
Publication Date: 2022-12-21 PubMed ID: 36542680DOI: 10.1177/00332941221146707Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research investigates the effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (therapy involving horses) as an additional treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in first responders. The study found initial evidence of symptom reduction and psychological benefits.
Objective of the Research
The study aims to explore the effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy as an addition to the psychological treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among first responders. This is explored through a pilot study where first responders suffering from trauma-related occupational incapacitation participated in an 8-week equine-assisted therapy program.
Methodology
- Seven first responders participated in the study
- They were involved in a 90-minute, equine-assisted therapy program for 8 weeks
- The study examined the outcome measures – anxiety, depression, trauma, inflexibility, and avoidance – before and after the intervention
- Also, it assessed participants’ feelings about themselves and their views towards different aspects of the program
Findings
The results showed initial evidence for symptom reduction, particularly in depressive and trauma-related symptoms. Participants’ qualitative feedback also suggested several significant benefits:
- A greater sense of peace
- Reduced anxiety
- Increase in mindfulness
- Increased trust in oneself and others
Conclusions and Implications
These findings provide initial support for the use of equine-assisted therapy as an adjunct treatment for PTSD among first responders. The first of its kind, this study directly examines the clinical outcomes for first responders with PTSD engaging in equine-assisted therapy. It highlights the potential for the therapy to be a promising addition to care for this specific group in the future.
Cite This Article
APA
Nelson C, Dossett K, Walker DL.
(2022).
Equine-Assisted Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among First Responders.
Psychol Rep, 332941221146707.
https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941221146707 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Nelson Psychology Professional Corporation, Komoka, ON, Canada.
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Nelson Psychology Professional Corporation, Komoka, ON, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Rodríguez-Sobrino N, Melguizo-Garín A. Effects of Equine Coaching on Psychoemotional Wellbeing: A Pilot Study in Women with and Without Fibromyalgia. Healthcare (Basel) 2025 Oct 25;13(21).
- Visser EK, Jens AL, Nieuwe Weme LE, Spaapen AA, Maarleveld KN, Enzerink KH, Tromp PN, Haven-Pross SC. Assessing Equine Behavioural Responses in Equine-Assisted Services: A Field Study Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2025 Feb 25;15(5).
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