Psychophysiological Effects of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Trauma Recovery: A Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Brittin Palmer
Journal: Annals of Psychophysiology
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Trauma Recovery Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is increasingly recognised as a clinically grounded intervention for trauma, yet the physiological mechanisms explaining its therapeutic action remain poorly characterised. Palmer's review synthesises current evidence across adolescent, adult, and veteran populations, examining both human outcomes—including emotion regulation, interpersonal functioning, and trauma symptom reduction—and measurable biomarkers such as cortisol, heart-rate variability, and oxytocin levels during equine-facilitated sessions. The analysis indicates consistent patterns of improved autonomic and HPA-axis regulation, particularly decreased cortisol and increased oxytocin in human participants, whilst welfare assessments demonstrate that horses in well-structured programmes do not exhibit significant physiological or behavioural stress responses. However, methodological constraints—including small sample sizes, protocol heterogeneity, and limited physiological measurement across studies—prevent firm conclusions about mechanism and efficacy. For equine professionals supporting trauma-informed programmes, this review underscores both the promise of EAP as an experiential modality and the critical need for more rigorous protocol standardisation and biomarker monitoring to establish its role within evidence-based practice and to ensure both human therapeutic outcomes and equine welfare are adequately documented.
Read the full abstract on the publisher's site
Practical Takeaways
- •EAP shows promise as a complementary trauma intervention with measurable physiological markers, but current evidence remains preliminary—use alongside conventional psychotherapy rather than as replacement
- •If incorporating equine-assisted work, ensure program structure prioritizes horse welfare; available evidence suggests ethical programs do not stress participating animals
- •Research quality is still limited; document outcomes systematically in your own practice to contribute to the evidence base
Key Findings
- •EAP may reduce cortisol and increase oxytocin in human participants, suggesting improved HPA-axis and autonomic regulation
- •Research across adolescents, adults, and veterans indicates EAP supports emotion regulation and reduces trauma-related symptoms
- •Well-structured EAP programs do not produce significant physiological or behavioral stress markers in participating horses
- •Methodological limitations including small sample sizes and inconsistent protocols prevent definitive conclusions about mechanism of action