Horse therapy shows promise for autism and mental health

NCT ID NCT04606966

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tested whether therapeutic horseback riding can improve behavior, social skills, and emotional control in 250 autistic youth who also have a mental health condition. Participants were randomly assigned to riding, barn activities without riding, or a hybrid group. Researchers measured changes in irritability, social responsiveness, and emotional regulation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: therapeutic horseback riding
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a non-drug option to ease irritability, social difficulties, and emotional dysregulation in autistic youth with co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
What could go wrong: This is a completed study, but results are not yet widely confirmed. The intervention is time-intensive and may not work for everyone. Benefits might be modest or not last long-term.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder Emotional Regulation mental disorder psychiatric disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER MENTAL DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Maine Health

Portland, Maine, 04102, United States
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Aurora, Colorado, 80218, United States

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