The Saratoga WarHorse project: a case study of the treatment of psychological distress in a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
OBJECTIVE
We theorized that ability to direct and control a horse will lead to a sense of empowerment, facilitate a relationship between horse and veteran, lead to a decrease in anxiety, and improve physical and social functioning.


METHODS
This case study utilizes the Connection methodology: nonverbal language of the horse in a predictable, sequential, and repeatable method. Psychological testing occurred immediately pre- and post-Connection with follow-up occurring at 2, 4, 6, and 12 wks post-Connection.


METHODS
Twice-deployed combat medic who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).


METHODS
Saratoga Springs, New York.


METHODS
Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II); Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-C); the Response to Stressful Experiences Scale (RSES); the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI); and the Modified Social Support Survey (MSSS).


RESULTS
The participant demonstrated significant improvement in measures of psychological functioning (eg, over 12 wks); both PCL-C and RSES scores decreased 58% and 44%, respectively. Participant further reported an increase in sleep quality.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this case study strongly support the potential for the intervention and indicate the need for a controlled, randomized study that might more stringently investigate the impact of the intervention.
Robert
R
Nevins
Sharon
S
Finch
Edward J
EJ
Hickling
Scott D
SD
Barnett
D000818:Animals; D056147:Equine-Assisted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*