Colorado Study Links Horse Therapy to Lower Stress
Researchers find that equine-assisted therapy reduces cortisol levels in autistic children compared to clinic-based sessions.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Autism
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Colorado State University researchers have published a study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders showing that horse-assisted therapy reduces stress in autistic children. Participants showed greater reductions in cortisol levels when working with horses compared to those in traditional clinic-based therapy.
Why it matters
The study suggests that integrating horses into treatment plans provides a calming and motivating environment for autistic children. This approach may increase patient engagement and improve overall therapeutic outcomes for young children undergoing care.
The study enrolled 72 children aged 6 to 11 who attended one hour of therapy weekly for 10 weeks. Researchers observed that while alpha-amylase levels returned to baseline within 20 minutes for both groups, cortisol reduction was greater in the equine cohort.
The players
Colorado State University
This public research university in Fort Collins conducted the study on therapeutic outcomes for children.
Temple Grandin Equine Center
This center operates facilities in Denver and Fort Collins and supports research into human-animal interactions.
The details
Researchers collected saliva samples before, during, and after sessions to analyze physiological markers of stress. The study involved the Temple Grandin Equine Center, which hosts 11,000 annual appointments, and utilized a laboratory in California for sample analysis.
Timeline
2021: A previous study examined occupational therapy involving horses.
October 30, 2026: The new research findings were published.
Health Landscape
This study aligns with ongoing investigations published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders regarding non-traditional therapeutic interventions. It marks a shift toward quantifying the physiological benefits of animal-assisted care within the broader healthcare system.
Parents of children with autism may consider equine-assisted therapy as a supplementary treatment option to manage stress and improve engagement. This development highlights potential new avenues for physical and emotional care that fall outside traditional clinic-based sessions.
The takeaway
Equine-assisted therapy offers a potential physiological advantage in stress management for young children with autism. Families should consult with their healthcare providers to determine if such specialized centers are appropriate for their child's specific treatment needs.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment trends and research, visit the Autism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sterling Journal-Advocate.
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