Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAIs) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Behavioural and Physiological Indices of Stress in Domestic Horses (Equus caballus) during Riding Sessions.

Laura Contalbrigo,Rosangela Odore,Marica Toson,Emanuela Valle,Francesca Cirulli,Adele Tuozzi,Barbara Collacchi,Annalisa Stefani,Marta Borgi,Veronica Redaelli,Cristina Vercelli,Marta De Santis,Fabio Luzi

doi:10.3390/ani11061562

Abstract

Simple SummaryEquine-assisted interventions (EAIs) are gaining increasing attention as complementary practices in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as they can provide physical and psychological enrichment to children. However, ASD children could manifest inappropriate behaviours, potentially affecting the welfare of horses. This multicentre study aimed to investigate behavioural and physiological indices of stress in horses involved in EAI standardised sessions with children with ASD compared to sessions involving typically developing (TD) children. It followed a controlled within-subject design with repeated measurements involving 19 horses and 38 children. We compared behavioural and physiological responses of horses between sessions and among session phases. Results indicate a lower sympathetic tone in horses involved in ASD sessions, while in the mounting and dismounting phases, the horses displayed behavioural signs of stress, independently from children’s behaviour. Results from this study indicate that professionals should increase their awareness of horse’s welfare and refine methodologies used in EAIs.Equine-assisted interventions (EAIs) are well-known complementary practices combining physical activity with emotional/cognitive stimulation. They are especially suited for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who need a high degree of physical and psychological enrichment. Even though EAIs have become a common practice, stress responses in horses interacting with individuals that can manifest inappropriate behaviours, such as ASD children, have not been thoroughly investigated. Our multicentre study aimed to investigate behavioural and physiological indices of stress in horses involved in EAI standardised sessions with children with ASD compared to typically developing (TD) children. A controlled within-subject design with repeated measurements involving 19 horses and 38 children was adopted. Stress-related behaviours, heart rate, heart rate variability, and eye temperature were recorded during the riding sessions. Moreover, blood samples were collected from horses before and after each session to monitor changes in blood adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and catecholamines. Results indicate that, in general, stress responses in horses involved in EAIs did not differ as a function of the horse being ridden by children with ASD or TD. A lower sympathetic tone in horses involved in ASD sessions was found, while in the mounting and dismounting phases, horses displayed behavioural signs of stress, independently from children’s behaviour. We conclude that professionals working in EAI should increase their awareness of animal welfare and refine riding practices, taking into account horse’s needs.

Highlights

Equine-assisted interventions (EAIs) are gaining increasing attention as complementary practices for the rehabilitation of persons with mental and physical disabilities [1,2]
Results from this study indicate that professionals should increase their awareness of horse’s welfare and refine methodologies used in EAIs
These findings were confirmed by other authors: Johnson et al investigated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), glucose, serum cortisol levels, and behaviour scores in horses involved in EAI sessions with military veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury compared to sessions with experienced riders and they did not find any significant differences [61]

Summary

Introduction

Equine-assisted interventions (EAIs) are gaining increasing attention as complementary practices for the rehabilitation of persons with mental and physical disabilities [1,2]. These interventions combine physical activity with emotional/cognitive elements and such a combination has made these programmes suitable for rehabilitation programmes targeting children in need of a high degree of stimulation, such as children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) [3,4,5]. Some studies show that their relational style and conflicting orders may cause distress to the horse [15,16] which is potentially associated with long-term detrimental health and behavioural effects [17]. Inconsistent application of communicative signals can cause confusion and conflict-related behaviours in horses, with possible negative consequences for their welfare, as well as for human safety [18,19,20]

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Discussion

Conclusion