(Cartier Farms/Facebook)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Help for Public Safety Workers

Study examining equine assisted therapy in P.A. area looking for more participants

Feb 3, 2024 | 12:56 PM

A study happening in the Prince Albert area is looking for public safety workers to take part.

A research team from McMaster University is trying to determine whether Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) could be a viable treatment to help with PTSD.

To find the answer, they’ve partnered with Cartier Farms, located north of Prince Albert, who’s allowing their horses to be used in the different sessions.

“There tends to be a higher level of exposure to traumatic events among that population, so we want to know if participation in an EAL program can help folks manage those symptoms a little better,” said Ashley Williams, a postdoctoral fellow with McMaster University’s trauma and recovery unit.

So far, the study has gone through one round with 12 people taking part. They were split into two groups: one that got to take part in the EAL program and one that didn’t. Williams explained they did this to see if there were any differences.

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She also explained information from 12 people just won’t cut it.

“We don’t have enough data at this point to be able to do any analysis or make any kind of guesses,” Williams added.

The hope is to get another 60 people who will be put into one of three different rounds. The 20 in each round will be split into the two aforementioned groups, though the ones who don’t get to take part in the EAL program will be able to do so after the study is over.

Williams said they want to get the next round started in either April or May. Despite this, there isn’t a deadline to apply.

“They’d be given the option to participate in the next round… in some ways, it’s a first come, first serve,” she added.

Those interested in learning more about the study, including potentially participating, can call 647-551-2701, email ealteam@mcmaster.ca, or provide contact information to the research team online.

People chosen to take part in the EAL program will be required to take part in two sessions a week for eight weeks. They’ll also have to take part in different surveys and interviews so the research team can learn more about their experience.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow