Therapeutic Riding Research Articles

Equines as Experimental Models: A Review of Their Use in Therapy, Antivenom Production, and Sports

The horse is a large, strong, docile, and easily handled animal with therapeutic qualities, making it an ideal experimental model for various studies. Given this, the aim of this review is to identify the criteria for selecting horses as an experimental model in research related to equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy), antivenom production, and equestrian sports. To achieve this, a bibliographic search was conducted in the Google Scholar database using the following keywords: “selection,” “horses,” “equine-assisted therapy,” “equestrian sports,” and “antivenom.” Inclusion criteria focused on selecting articles that provided relevant and insightful information on these search terms. The analyzed studies demonstrated that equine-assisted therapy is an effective therapeutic approach for the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, fostering improvements in motor, cognitive, and emotional aspects. In selecting horses for equine-assisted therapy, motor, morphological, and behavioral criteria were considered to ensure both the safety and effectiveness of treatment. For antivenom production, large horses were preferred due to their greater blood volume, which enables better tolerance during plasma collection. Lastly, in selecting horses for equestrian sports, it was noted that each breed possesses specific skills suited to different sport categories; thus, criteria such as obedience, physical endurance, and agility were assessed for each horse.

EQUOTERAPIA: A CONEXÃO ENTRE EQUINOS E PACIENTES – A IMPORTÂNCIA DAS CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICAS E COMPORTAMENTAIS

Equine therapy is a technique that uses horses as a means of intervention between horse and patient, working with people who have special needs in the cognitive, affective, sensory or motor areas. This therapeutic method is composed of a team of veterinarians, doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists and a riding professional. The work is a literature review on equine therapy, highlighting the physical and behavioral characteristics of horses, the appropriate track for equine therapy, the importance of the horse’s gait so that the patient has a significant improvement and that the session is safe, the pace that helps the patient feel their emotions and their connection with the patient.

The Potential for Healing: Evaluating the Impact of Equine-Assisted Services

This qualitative study explored the many important ways that humans benefit from interactions with animals and the potential healing properties of the human-animal bond. Of interest was the nature of equine therapy. Studies examining the impact of equine therapy are minimal. Thus, this research evaluated equine therapy interventions at three Midwestern equine therapeutic farms using semi-structured interviews (N = 21) with a grounded theory analysis of respondent’s experiences. Five themes resulted, demonstrating the impact of equine experiences along with a substantive theoretical model. Themes include environmentally healing setting, physical engagement, horses as healing, action-oriented interventions, and uniquely dramatic transformation. This research acknowledges and validates the role of equine therapy in social work and offers evidence that equine therapy is cathartic and healing. Future research will address the efficacy of the work across the diverse applications of this emerging practice.

ANÁLISE DA PERCEPÇÃO DE PAIS E RESPONSÁVEIS SOBRE A EQUOTERAPIA PARA CRIANÇAS COM AUTISMO: UMA REVISÃO DA LITERATURA DE 2013 A 2023.

Equine therapy brings numerous benefits to practitioners, improving motor, cognitive, and emotional development. Due to this range of contributions, doctors and multidisciplinary teams recommend equine therapy as an alternative therapy, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder due to its benefits. Animal-assisted therapy has been demystified over time and has become the option for caregivers and/or parents. The basis of the scientific study will be basic research with a bibliographic review of the literature. Objective: The project is based on the bias of presenting the perception of parents and/or guardians of children diagnosed with autism in relation to the care process offered by an equine therapy center. Method: It used the Integrative Literature Review (ILR) in six stages, addressing everything from problem definition to critical data analysis. Articles in Portuguese and Spanish from 2013 to 2023 were included, using the LILACS, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases with descriptors related to equine therapy and autism. Results: Indicate that equine therapy provides significant benefits, such as increased self-esteem, improvements in socialization, anxiety control and development of social skills. The research highlights the importance of the bond between practitioners and animals, as well as the fundamental role of the multidisciplinary approach in treatment. Parents in all reviewed studies reported improvements in the quality of life of practitioners. Conclusion: Equine therapy shows itself to be a promising therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, contributing significantly to the development of self-esteem, mental health, social skills, emotional control and independence. Parents' perceptions are fundamental to understanding the effectiveness of these therapies, but reveal gaps when compared to professionals' views. This highlights the need for research on the topic.

Hippotherapy Used in Medical Recovery

Hippotherapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, falls into the category of alternative therapies that involve human-horse interaction for therapeutic purposes. Horse therapies are especially used for children with various physical, cognitive, and emotional disorders. They can also be successfully used with adults and the elderly. The horse's movement is what stimulates the development of motor skills, balance, and coordination. Direct interaction with the horse, including caring for it, riding, and other related activities, is effective in developing social, emotional, and cognitive skills in both children and adults, as well as in the elderly. Hippotherapy encourages self-confidence, concentration, and motor coordination, making it suitable for people who are anxious, antisocial, depressed, have language difficulties, or low self-esteem. Studies highlight that the presence of horses changes the frequency of the human brain, with subjects becoming more aware and focused when around horses. Horses help therapy beneficiaries stay connected to the present, becoming more aware of their experiences. Additionally, patients learn to pay more attention to the feelings and nonverbal language transmitted by the being they come into contact with. Numerous studies show that horseback riding improves balance, coordination, and reflexes, induces muscle relaxation, reduces spasticity, increases joint mobility, and improves respiratory function and blood circulation. The main objective of the paper is to identify therapies that use horses for patients diagnosed with various conditions, the benefits of these therapies on patients' motor skills, and their effects on patients' mental state. Additionally, we aim to identify horse-related activities that enhance concentration, help address behavioral issues, and facilitate patients' integration into social groups.

Horses’ Cardiovascular and Glucocorticoid Responses to Equine-Assisted Therapy with Women with Intellectual Disability: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Research on equine-assisted therapy (EAT) has primarily been centered on human health. Relatively few studies have addressed the impact of EAT on horses. This study sought to monitor four experienced therapy horses’ cardiovascular and glucocorticoid activity over the course of standardized EAT sessions designed to support women with intellectual disability. In the control condition, horses completed the EAT protocol solely with the therapist, thereby resembling a training session. Descriptive data analysis revealed higher levels of heart rate during an experimental EAT session and increased salivary cortisol when horses were navigated by the client through an obstacle course during the “challenge” phase of the protocol, pointing at a greater physical demand due to the recipient on horseback. Given the parasympathetic activity and overall heart rate variability across experimental EAT sessions and the cortisol recovery after the sessions, the findings do not give rise to any acute animal welfare concerns. For a more holistic interpretation of the present research results, further investigation into the horse perception of EAT, based on a bigger sample size and additional markers of welfare, is needed.

The Relationship between Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Client-Therapist Attachment on Symptom Reduction

The Relationship between Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Client-Therapist Attachment on Symptom Reduction

Posture Retention Devices for Older Adults Undergoing Horseback Riding Therapy

Posture Retention Devices for Older Adults Undergoing Horseback Riding Therapy

Investigating the Effectiveness of Equine-assisted Therapy on Children Regardless of Their Mental Disorder

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is a common and popular complementary and alternative therapy among children with different mental disorders. In this study, the effectiveness of EAT was investigated on children with diverse mental disorders by analyzing their gait. Fifty-six children (age: 8.30 ± 3.77 years) were involved in the research who participated weekly in equine-assisted therapy during a school year. The gait of the children was measured twice with the GAITRite® pressure-sensing mat, before and after the therapy period. The participants did ten sections of walking on the pressure-sensing mat. Twenty-one spatial and temporal gait parameters were chosen and evaluated for further statistical analysis. To determine the normal distribution of the parameters, the Lilliefors normality test was carried out. Depending on the result, the paired t test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the means of the results of the two measurements (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed for eight out of the twenty-one parameters which investigation provides some promising results regarding the benefits of equine-assisted therapy for children's quality of life.

‘The Horse Weaves Magic’: Parents and Service Providers on the Benefits of Horse-Based Therapies for Autistic Children—an Australian Qualitative Study

Autistic children and adolescents experience a range of co-morbidities, including diagnoses of mental illness. Animal-assisted therapies have advanced rapidly over recent years as an effective and accessible intervention for autistic children and adolescents with various health issues. Horses offer a unique opportunity for interaction as the young person can physically ride the animal, thus creating a therapy with different physical interactions from other animals. This qualitative study had two main aims: first, to understand parents’ experiences of their autistic child’s involvement with horse-based therapies; and second, to understand the experiences of the staff of organisations offering horse-based therapies to those on the autism spectrum. Twelve interviews were conducted with six parents across four interviews (four mothers and two fathers), and eight staff of equine therapy services in eight individual interviews, to understand their perceptions of the child’s experience with horse riding and the perceived mental health impacts. Three emergent themes were prominent among parents and service providers alike: physical and social benefits, including health, self-management skills and social skills; protecting mental health; and recommendations for improvements and accessibility of horse-based therapies. Specifically, service providers with long-standing associations with horse-based therapies saw the actual and potential benefits of horse-based therapies for autistic children, particularly in promoting happiness, calm, resilience, and good mental health.

Equine-Assisted Therapy Pilot Program: A Post-Participation Study of Client Satisfaction

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is an emerging practice area that has been shown to decrease negative symptoms in individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the research for equine-assisted therapy demonstrates effectiveness in decreasing PTSD symptoms, there is a lack of evidence to verify client satisfaction. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to evaluate participant satisfaction using the eight-question “Client Satisfaction Survey” and compose recommendations based on participant feedback from a focus group after completing an Equine-Assisted Therapy Post-traumatic stress disorder (EAT-PTSD) program. Two participants attended an EAT-PTSD program that utilized the protocol developed by the Man O’ War project. Both participants attended all sessions and completed pre- and post-measures including the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Criterion Assessment, the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report, informal numerical anxiety ratings, and a focus group for evaluation of program satisfaction and future recommendations. The results show that completion of an EAT-PTSD program decreases negative PTSD symptoms. Additionally, participants had an overall high satisfaction rate after completion of an EAT-PTSD program. Recommendations from program participants for future program delivery include increasing program length, using additional resources like talk and group therapy, and recruiting more participants to take part in the program.

Pre-clinical Efficacy and Immunogenicity of IgY Antibodies Directed Against Crotalus durissus cumanensis Venom

Background:: Crotalus durissus cumanensis (C.d.c.) is the most widely distributed snake in Venezuela, causing the majority of snakebite envenoming Objective:: The purpose of this study was to produce IgY antibodies against a C.d.c. venom pool from different Venezuelan regions and evaluate their neutralization capacity on various venom toxic activ-ities. Methods:: Anti-C.d.c. venom antibodies are purified from chicken egg yolks by precipitation with polyethylene glycol and further analyzed by Multiple Antigen Blot Assay, indirect ELISA, Western blot, and Inhibition assays. In addition, we evaluate the phospholipase, edematogenic, and hemor-rhagic activities. In addition, a new envenoming simulation study using anti-C.d.c. venom IgY in mice is presented. Results:: In this study, we show that anti-C.d.c. venom IgY is capable of neutralizing 4LD50 doses of the Cdc venom (i.e., 1.76 mg of IgY neutralized 14 μg of C.d.c. venom) and effectively neutralizing the phospholipase, edematogenic and hemorrhagic activities. Additionally, the anti C.d.c. venom IgY specifically recognizes polypeptide bands with apparent molecular masses of ~ 54.55, 30.39, 24.1, 14.02, and 9.44 kDa by western blot. The IgY specificity is demonstrated by a dose-dependent inhi-bition, in which antibodies pre-adsorbed with the C.d.c. venom does not recognize the proteins con-tained in the venom. Furthermore, in the simulation study of envenoming, the mice inoculated with IgY showed no response. Conclusion:: Our results support the use of anti-venom IgY as an alternative to traditional equine therapy in animals and, eventually, in human patients bitten by C.d.c snakes. conclusion: Our results support the use of anti-venom IgY as an alternative to traditional equine therapy in animals and, eventually, in human patients bitten by C.d.c snakes.

Equine-assisted service’s effect on cartilage and skeletal biomarkers for adults and older adults with arthritis: A pilot study

ObjectiveThe object of this study was to determine the effect of EAS (Equine-Assisted Services) on arthritis conditions, as measured by the sTnT (Skeletal troponin) and COMP (cartilage oligomeric matrix proteins) biomarkers, compared to an exercise attention control intervention. DesignThis was a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial comparing equine-assisted therapy to exercise education attention-control on cartilage and skeletal biomarkers in adults with arthritis. Twenty-one adults (Mage = 64 years) with arthritis who attended rheumatology clinics in the midwestern United States participated. ResultsNo changes were found in sTnT from baseline to week six within either intervention nor were there differences in changes between the two groups (p = 0.91). COMP increased from baseline to week six for both conditions, suggesting increased deterioration of cartilage and joints. Although the attention-control condition demonstrated larger increases in cartilage oligomeric matrix proteins level, compared to the EAS condition, these differences were not statistically (p = 0.58) or clinically significant (i.e., trivial effect, d = −0.16). When 3 outliers were removed, the differences in changes between EAT and attention-control group could be arguably of clinical significance (d = - 0.33), suggesting that the attention-control group demonstrated larger increases in levels of COMP than those in the EAS condition, though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.28). ConclusionAlthough equine-assisted therapy may reduce pain and improve quality of life for adults with arthritis, findings here are not fully corroborated with biomarkers.

Using Self-Determination Theory Through a Mixed Methods Approach to Examine the Effects of Therapeutic Riding for Military Service Members and Veterans

Using Self-Determination Theory Through a Mixed Methods Approach to Examine the Effects of Therapeutic Riding for Military Service Members and Veterans

Emotional Natives: The Role of Prey-Animal Ontologies in Equine-Assisted Personal Development

Abstract In the psychological literature on the efficacy of equine-assisted therapies, it is common to read that horses are suitable for such work because of their evolutionary inheritance as “prey-animals,” making them highly attuned to the emotional states of others. Yet this assertion is rarely questioned. This article explores prey-animal ontologies within an ethnographic study of an Equine-Assisted Personal Development (EAPD) center in England, and how they helped facilitate client interpretations of individual horse behaviors. I argue that in this EAPD, prey-animal ontologies constructed horses as highly skilled “emotional natives” with significant, almost deistic powers. In some ways this was progressively relational. However, in other ways, it inscribed a problematic anthropocentrism, with the horse conceived as almost permanently in response to human agency. Moreover, it was sometimes empirically difficult to sustain. Prey-animality, then, in EAPD, both challenges and reinforces human power relations with horses in complex ways.

CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME AND EQUINEASSISTED THERAPY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is a therapeutic and educational method that uses the horse within an interdisciplinary approach. The objective of this study was to analyze the publications on Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) as a tool in the global development of children with Down Syndrome (DS). Methods: The criteria were: randomized clinical trials; population diagnosed with DS and age ≥13 years old; published from 2015 to 2021; indexed by Qualis between A1 and B3, in the following electronic databases: National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciElO) and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS).Results: 18 articles were found, of which 8 met the objective and criteria proposed in the study. Conclusion: It can be seen that EAT proves tobe an effective and important tool; therefore, it contributes to the progress in the global development and improvement of the motor functions of children with DS.

Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health

The problem addressed in this research is the increasing recognition of the complexity of mental disorders, and previous studies have indicated the positive potential of Equine Therapy in addressing various mental conditions. Neurobiological and hormonal changes associated with participation in equine therapy, providing a scientific basis for the clinically observed positive effects. On the other hand, as awareness of the complexity of mental disorders and the challenges in their treatment increases, attention to therapy involving interactions with animals, especially horses, is growing. The aim of this research is to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms and benefits of Equine Therapy as an innovative and effective therapy in enhancing individual mental well-being, by detailing previous research results to contribute further to our understanding. The research methodology used in this study is a literature review, involving a critical examination and review of knowledge, ideas, or findings in academically-oriented literature. The results of the study on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) have proven effective in addressing depression and anxiety in adolescents, as well as having the potential as a valuable addition to the treatment of PTSD in first responders and substance use disorders. Despite positive results in increasing self-confidence, social interaction, and well-being, limited public understanding poses a challenge to the recognition of this therapy. Further research is needed to strengthen empirical evidence and understand the positive impact of human-horse interaction in the context of animal-assisted therapy.

A Relaxed Horse-A Relaxed Client? An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Therapy Horses' Stress on Clients' Stress, Mood, and Anxiety.

Equine-assisted therapies are becoming increasingly popular for addressing physical and psychological disabilities in clients. The role of the horse's welfare in equine-assisted service receives increasing attention in research. Several studies have shown that horses are able to perceive human emotions and respond to human stress responses. However, no research has yet looked at the other side of the coin-whether and how humans perceive and react to equine stress levels during equine-assisted services. To fill this gap in the research, we employed a within-subjects design, in which horse-naïve participants had a standardized interaction with both an experimentally stressed horse and an experimentally relaxed horse. We assessed physiological indicators of stress (heart rate, heart rate variability, and salivary cortisol) in participants and horses, as well as psychological indicators of stress (state anxiety and positive and negative affect) in participants. Although our stress and relaxation manipulations were successful (indicated by horses' physiological indicators of stress), we did not find any difference in the participants' physiological or psychological indicators of stress between the interaction with a stressed and the interaction with a relaxed horse. Together with results from previous studies, this suggests that humans cannot intuitively recognize the (physiological) stress level of horses, which has important implications for effective communication and bonding between humans and horses and for the safety of equine activities.

Use of horse riding in chronic pain therapy

Introduction and purpose: Chronic pain is a struggle itself and also a symptom in many common conditions. Its complexity requires diverse treatment methods including some that might seem unconventional, for example, horse riding. This study gathers information about the use of equine assisted therapy in pain relief.
 Brief description of the state of knowledge: Hippotherapy is known as an important part of care for patients with cerebral palsy, attention deficit and autism. The rhythmical, multidimensional movements of the horse are transmitted to the rider’s pelvis and help in strengthening and stretching the muscles which result in better posture stabilization and balance. The positive effects of equine assisted therapy are not limited to only physical ones but positive social, cognitive and psychological effects can be observed as well. In order to lower the cost and time of the therapy, horse riding simulators were invented. So far, horse riding has been tested as a pain relief tool in entities like nonspecific low back pain, multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
 Summary: Horse riding sessions had beneficial effects on pain levels among patients with nonspecific back pain and arthritis. There is a need to conduct further research in order to properly compare the use of real horses versus horse simulators. Hippotherapy was well perceived by different patient groups so maybe it has the potential to be an important part of pain management in various conditions.

RIDING THERAPY AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONS WITH AUTISM

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which is present in different classes and ethnicities. Its main characteristics are impairment of language, interaction, socialization, in addition to presenting psychomotor difficulties. This person needs several therapies for their development, and one of them is equine therapy, which shows great results.