Equine-Assisted Therapy Could Reduce Stress in Children
A study found that children with autism showed lower cortisol levels when working with horses than in traditional therapy.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Autism
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Colorado State University researchers found that autistic children participating in equine-assisted therapy experienced greater reductions in stress compared to those in traditional clinic-based therapy. The 10-week study evaluated 72 children between the ages of 6 and 11 to determine how interacting with horses impacts biological stress markers.
Why it matters
Managing stress is a critical component of care for many autistic children, and finding effective, motivating environments can improve overall therapeutic engagement. This research suggests that incorporating animals into clinical practice may offer a tangible benefit for reducing physiological stress responses.
This study of 72 children aged 6 to 11 compared equine-assisted therapy against traditional clinic-based sessions over a 10-week period. While participants in both groups saw physiological changes during sessions, those in the equine-assisted program showed greater reductions in cortisol levels.
The players
Colorado State University
A public research university that led the study on therapy outcomes for children with autism.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
A peer-reviewed academic publication that features research on neurodevelopmental conditions.
The details
Researchers monitored stress by analyzing saliva samples collected before, during, and after weekly one-hour therapy sessions. By measuring cortisol, a long-term stress hormone, and alpha-amylase, which reflects immediate nervous system arousal, the team tracked how children responded to their environments. The findings suggest that the presence of horses provides a calming, motivating influence that can help lower stress markers more effectively than standard clinical settings.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: The research findings were published.
2021: A previous study examined occupational therapy involving horses.
Health Landscape
The Temple Grandin Equine Center remains a primary hub for specialized therapy research, and this study builds on its ongoing efforts to quantify the benefits of human-animal interaction. This work helps move equine therapy from a supportive practice toward a more evidence-based clinical intervention.
If you are exploring new therapeutic options for your child, discuss whether equine-assisted therapy could be a supportive addition to their existing care plan. Always coordinate with your child's primary care team or current therapist to ensure any new intervention aligns with their specific clinical needs.
The takeaway
Equine-assisted therapy may offer a unique way to lower physiological stress levels in autistic children compared to traditional office settings. Parents interested in animal-assisted interventions should consult with a healthcare professional to identify accredited programs and evidence-based providers.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and support options for Autism.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sterling Journal-Advocate.
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