Horse therapy shows promise for autism and mental health
NCT ID NCT04606966
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
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.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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Maine Health
Portland, Maine, 04102, United States
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University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, 80218, United States