Horses help heal heroes: new study tests equine therapy for PTSD in first responders
NCT ID NCT05579717
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a program called Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) can reduce trauma symptoms in public safety personnel like police, firefighters, and paramedics. 40 participants from Saskatchewan took part in 16 sessions of unmounted activities with horses, guided by mental health and equine specialists. Researchers measured changes in PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress before, after, and at follow-up.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) - a behavioral intervention involving unmounted interactions with horses guided by mental health and equine specialists.
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug way to help first responders and other public safety workers cope with trauma and reduce PTSD symptoms.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study with only 40 participants and no control group, so results may not be widely applicable. The benefits might not be due to the horses themselves.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Cartier Farms
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, S6V5R2, Canada