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

While more rigorous studies are needed, these results indicate that the intervention evaluated in this study is safe and feasible to utilize for Veterans admitted to a residential substance abuse treatment program. Furthermore, preliminary outcomes suggest that this intervention, and perhaps other equine-assisted interventions, has the potential to be beneficial to Veterans with addictive disorders as well as those at risk of suicide. The psychological instruments used in this intervention appear to be appropriate for use in future investigations. Additionally, more rigorous studies are warranted, and this work provides the necessary first steps needed to proceed with those investigations.