what professionals are saying about animal assisted therapy (AAT)
The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy: HUSSON University
"Animal-assisted therapy benefits people of all ages and needs — from children with ADHD to older adults with dementia — offering emotional support, physical rehabilitation and stronger social connection across various care settings. AAT supports those with mental health conditions by easing anxiety, depression and PTSD through lower cortisol and higher oxytocin levels. The nonjudgmental environment promotes openness and helps build effective coping strategies. "
https://www.husson.edu/online/blog/2022/07/benefits-of-animal-assisted-therapy#:~:text=The%20calming%20presence%20of%20animals,to%20prevent%20stress%20or%20harm.
The Role of Animal Assisted Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Mental Health Disorders: Perspectives on integrative medicines
"Studies indicated that AAT improved mental health outcomes for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD. Interaction with therapy animals reduced cortisol levels, increased oxytocin, lowered blood pressure, and increased social engagement and emotional regulation. "
https://www.integrmed.org/journal/view.php?number=55
The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Enhancing Patients’ Well-Being: National library of medicine
"The overall assessment of animal-assisted therapy shows promise as an effective intervention in promoting well-being among diverse populations. " All studies showed positive outcomes for depression and neurological disorders" - and EAT is a specifically effective therapeutic modality for long-term psychiatric patients at risk of violence
https://www.integrmed.org/journal/view.php?number=55
The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Enhancing Patients’ Well-Being: Systematic Study of the Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence
"Significant improvements in overall functioning, a decrease in the need for specialized care, and an increase in regular school attendance, cognition, and mood through repeated multimodal stimulation."
"Promotes a healing environment for patients that involves a holistic and humanistic perspective"
"[There is] compelling evidence to suggest that particular modalities of AAT hold substantial promise in terms of reducing stress levels and fostering a positive impact on individuals’ overall mood and well-being"
(Pandey et al. 2024)
🐎 Our Own findings 🐎
"My wife and I have a combined 12+ years' experience with horses, which includes everything from personal lessons, cavalry training, EAT, and teaching others. Having worked with many unique horses with a myriad of disciplines has allowed us to not only understand the true potential of these animals, but to also adapt ways to make the sessions enjoyable for the Therapy Horse."
Frank MacMaster,
LEAD THERAPIST, OGFT
"Working with horses has impacted my life in ways I cannot often describe fully. Horses have given me the opportunity adjust to a fast-paced, neurotypical focused world , and have had a significant positive impact on CPTSD and OCD symptoms.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, OGFT
want to find out for yourself?