Examining the Psychological Measures and Feasibility of Recreational Trail Rides in Reducing Cravings for Addictive Substances among Veterans: A Replication Pilot Study.

Introduction: Equine-assisted services have been gaining popularity as complementary therapies for a variety of populations with a diversity of diagnoses. Interventions using equines might benefit the military Veteran population through building therapeutic alliance as well as reducing symptoms. This pilot observational study is primarily aimed to investigate safety, feasibility, and acceptability of equine-assisted services for Veterans with substance abuse disorders.

A Pilot Replication Study of Implementing an Equine-Assisted Services Program Within a VA Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program.

Introduction: Veterans have high rates of substance use disorders and other mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder. Effective treatments for these conditions exist; however, high attrition rates and residual symptoms after completing treatment are common. Complementary treatment approaches could enhance treatment engagement and/or response among this population.

A pilot observational study of horsemanship skills training for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Objectives: Pilot assessment of an equine-assisted services intervention for Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Design: Prospective cohort.

Setting: A large Veterans Administration healthcare system.

A Pilot Observational Study of Implementing an Equine-A ssisted Services Program Within a VA Medical Center Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program.

Introduction: The aim of this observational pilot study was to assess the safety, feasibility, preliminary outcomes, and predictors of participant response as a result of implementing an equine-assisted intervention within a residential substance abuse treatment program at a large Veterans Administration medical center. A secondary aim was to evaluate psychological instruments for use in future, more rigorous studies. The overarching goal was to complete the necessary work to prepare for a large randomized controlled trial of this intervention for Veterans with addictive disorders.

A pilot observational study of recreational trail riding for Veterans with addictive disorders.

Objectives: The aim of study was to assess the safety, feasibility, and preliminary outcomes of recreational trail riding for Veterans with addictive disorders.

Design: This was an observational pilot study.

Setting: United States Veterans Health Care Administration Medical Center.