Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Elucidate Neurophysiological Mechanism of Action of Equine-Assisted Services: Proof-of-Concept Study.

Summary: Horses have long been used to help trauma survivors, like military veterans, feel better and reduce signs of PTSD and depression. But how exactly does this "horse therapy" change the brain? In this new study, scientists used a special, wearable brain scanner (called fNIRS) on 15 veterans during a two-day horse therapy program. They wanted to see if they could measure brain activity while the veterans interacted with the horses, and see how these brain changes match up with their mood. This is an exciting first step to prove exactly how and why time with horses is so healing for the mind!