A study published in the journal Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, researchers reported that horses can significantly lower stress hormones in youth, according to a Washington State University of Spokane study. The finding supports the claims of therapeutic horsemanship professionals who have received positive feedback regarding these programs from patients.
Relieving stress by interactions with horses
A study published in the journal Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, researchers reported that horses can significantly lower stress hormones in youth, according to a Washington State University of Spokane study.
Researchers said that healthy stress hormone production in young adolescents prevents the development of physical and mental health problems.
For the study, around 130 students in grades 5-8 spent time with horses in an after-school program for over 12 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to the program or waitlisted. During the program of 90 minutes weekly, children learnt about horse behavior, care, grooming, handling, riding and interaction among other things.
The participant's saliva samples were collected before and after the equine facilitated learning program in Pullman, Wash. The researchers compared the levels and patterns of stress hormone functioning by measuring cortisol levels.
"We found that children who had participated in the 12-week program had significantly lower stress hormone levels throughout the day and in the afternoon, compared to children in the waitlisted group," Patricia Pendry, a developmental psychologist said in a statement. "We get excited about that because we know that higher base levels of cortisol - particularly in the afternoon - are considered a potential risk factor for the development of psychopathology."
Pendry hopes that the findings will lead to effective after-school programs where students can interact with horses.