Therapeutic Effects of Horses
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT)and Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) can improve a variety of health problems in children and adults and promote their well-being.
A 2022 systematic literature review, 13 eligible studies revealed promising findings that EAT had positive effects on physical, psychological and physiological health in older adults.
Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that EAT/EAA can substantially improve the social and behavioral skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
A list of peer-reviewed PubMed and other articles appears below.
Positive Effects of EAT/EAA in
Adults
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Equine-Assisted Therapy in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2023
This meta-analysis indicates that EAT is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in adults, with significant improvements in anxiety and depression.
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An Umbrella Review of the Evidence for Equine‐Assisted Interventions
Australian Journal of Psychology, 2019
This review consolidates findings from multiple studies, highlighting the benefits of EAT in improving psychological and physical outcomes across various adult populations.
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Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Current State, Challenges, and Future Directions
Traumatology, 2021
This paper discusses the potential of EAT in treating PTSD among veterans, emphasizing the need for further research and standardized protocols.
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Equine-Assisted Therapy Effectiveness in Improving Emotion Regulation, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Self-Esteem of Patients Suffering from Substance Use Disorders
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2023
This study reports that EAT enhances emotional regulation, self-efficacy, and self-esteem in adults undergoing treatment for substance use disorders.
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Effects of Equine-Assisted Therapy on the Functionality of Individuals with Disabilities: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Disability and Rehabilitation, 2021
This meta-analysis concludes that EAT positively impacts mobility, quality of life, and interpersonal relationships in adults with various disabilities.
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Equine-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2015
This research demonstrates that EAT significantly reduces anxiety and PTSD symptoms in adults, with improvements in mindfulness and emotional responses.
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Using Equine Therapy as Mental Health Treatment
Verywell Mind, 2019
This article provides an overview of how EAT is utilized in mental health treatment for adults, including its benefits and considerations.
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Positive Effects of EAT/EAA in Children
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Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities on Attention and Quality of Life in Children with Cerebral Palsy in a Randomized Trial: Examining the Comorbidity with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
BMC Pediatrics, 2021
This trial investigates the impact of equine-assisted activities on attention and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy, particularly those with comorbid ADHD.
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Perceptions of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies by Parents and Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Pediatric Physical Therapy, 2014
This study explores the physical and psychosocial effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies on children with spinal muscular atrophy from the perspectives of both parents and children.
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An Equine-Assisted Intervention Versus Non-Manualized Psychotherapy for Youth in a Residential Childcare Facility
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 2025
This research compares the effectiveness of equine-assisted interventions with non-manualized psychotherapy in youth residing in a childcare facility, focusing on outcomes related to trauma and behavioral issues.
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Equine-Assisted Services for Motor Outcomes of Autistic Children: A Systematic Review
Autism, 2024
This systematic review examines the effects of equine-assisted services on motor outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorders.
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Miniature Horse Therapy Gives Stirling Students a Mental Boost
The Times, 2025
This report discusses the introduction of miniature horse therapy at the University of Stirling to alleviate stress and improve mental health among students, with parallels to benefits observed in children.
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Horses Are Medicine - They're Helping Give Young Aboriginal People the Love and Support They Need
The Guardian, 2024
This article highlights the Yawardani Jan-ga program, which uses equine-assisted learning to provide emotional and behavioral support for young Aboriginal people, emphasizing the therapeutic role of horses in youth development.
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What Is Animal Therapy?
Verywell Health, 2021
This overview article discusses various forms of animal therapy, including equine-assisted therapy, and their applications in treating conditions such as ADHD, PTSD, and autism in children.
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Other Interesting Articles about EAT/EAA
