Therapeutic Riding Research Articles

Mental health practitioners’ strategies in equine-assisted psychotherapy: implications for social work

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), in this study, which included a mental health practitioner, an equine specialist, at least one horse, and a client in therapy sessions, is emerging in social work practice, education, and research. The purpose of this paper was to explore experienced EAP mental health practitioners’ cognitive activities and strategies to inform the social work profession.Utilizing a constructive narrative approach, eight experienced EAP mental health practitioners participated. Two semi-structured, face-to face, individual interviews were used to gain their perspectives. Qualitative software assisted thematic analysis. The findings included a main theme identified as participants’ concrete strategies used in EAP with two subthemes. The second main theme identified abstract strategies with six subthemes.EAP provides a holistic framework as social workers incorporate horses and natural environments in practice, which is consistent with systems theory. The findings inform experienced mental health practitioners to be effective therapists and educators, as well as to instill confidence in novices. Recommendations for the application of the findings in social work practice, education, and research are explained.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: An Emerging Trauma-Informed Intervention

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) has emerged as a promising, evidence-based intervention for the treatment of trauma and stressor-related disorders. This experiential therapy offers an option for clients whose traumatic experiences render traditional talk therapies ineffective. Initial research on the most robust model of EAP, developed by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), indicates strong, positive effects for children, adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma. EAGALA was designed to allow for rigorous evaluation of efficacy, a clear theoretical base, standardized implementation, and ongoing training for practitioners. As the primary providers of mental and behavioral health services in the United States, social workers are keenly aware of the need for a portfolio of treatment methods to manage the increasing demand for services. EAP has emerged as an important addition to this portfolio, providing options for some the most vulnerable client populations.

Equine-Facilitated Therapy and Trauma: Current Knowledge, Future Needs

Equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) is a relatively new treatment for trauma and PTSD. EFT as well as animal assisted interventions in general have been introduced and implemented in mental health treatment for children and adults, though the research in support of these interventions has not kept up with practice. The purpose of this review is to examine the use of EFT for clients suffering from trauma/PTSD. Studies were included if PTSD/trauma was assessed and/or was measured as an outcome. A search of relevant databases resulted in nine peer-reviewed studies that met criteria. Studies are summarized and implications for future research are discussed. In general, findings suggest that EFT is a promising intervention for trauma/PTSD. Recommendations include a call for more research that includes veterans as well as for research that explicates the mechanisms by which EFT may be effective. Key words: trauma, PTSD, equine, equine therapy

General and oral characteristics of Rett syndrome: case report

Introduction: Rett syndrome is a neurodegenerative disease that affects females of all races worldwide. It is the second most frequent cause of mental disability in girls. Objective: To describe the general and oral characteristics at stage three. Case report: A girl aged seven years and seven months, leukoderma, coming from Vallo della Lucania, Salerno, Italy was at the stage three of Rett syndrome. At the first stage, from six to eighteen months of life, the girl ate by herself, but she did not walk. At the second stage, from eighteen months of life, she started the ataxic gait and stopped talking. At the third stage, she had the reduction of the autist behavior, improved the eye contact, smile and communicative abilities. The genetic examination revealed de novo mutation, that is, without inheritance. Conclusion: Rett syndrome lacks specific treatment. Adjuvant therapies include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, as well as therapies to treat some symptoms. A multidisciplinary treatment is required. The prognosis consists of following-up the individual throughout life, treating the symptoms.Keywords: Autistic Disorder, Chronic disease, Epilepsy, Intellectual Disability, Rett Syndrome.

Animal-Assisted Interventions in Audiology

Animal-Assisted Interventions in Audiology

Design and analysis of a novel multi-legged horse-riding simulation vehicle for equine-assisted therapy

A novel multi-legged horse-riding simulation vehicle aiming at providing the equine-assisted therapy is proposed, the functions of which include both transportation and rehabilitation. The whole system consists of a walking system constructed with four identical-legged units, a control system, an energy system, and a riding system. Based on the requirements of the foot trajectory, the configuration of the whole close-chain legged mechanism serving as a legged unit is designed with the structure of a single leg. The kinematics of the legged mechanism is built using the vector loop method, and the dimension is optimized adopting the sequence quadratic program. With the established mathematic model, the form-position inversion method is developed for the fluctuation analysis of the riding platform, and its modified algorithm is proposed according to the walking properties. The closed fluctuating curve group is obtained when the riding platform walks on a treadmill with a constant speed, and two functional curves are selected and analyzed for different walking modes. Combined with the practical requirements of different intensities, the sensitivity analysis is carried out for the reconfigurable process to adjust the fluctuation amplitude. A series of dynamic walking simulations are conducted and analyzed, and a prototype is fabricated to verify the expected functions of the multi-legged riding simulation vehicle. The study provides a new idea and an application reference for equine-assisted therapy system.

6주간의 재활승마프로그램이 ADHD아동의 평형성에 미치는 영향

6주간의 재활승마프로그램이 ADHD아동의 평형성에 미치는 영향

Equine-assisted therapy intervention studies targeting physical symptoms in adults: A systematic review

Equine-assisted therapy intervention studies targeting physical symptoms in adults: A systematic review

'When he's up there he's just happy and content': Parents' perceptions of therapeutic horseback riding.

BackgroundThere is limited global and South African research on parents’ perceptions of therapeutic horseback riding (THR), as well as their perceptions of the effect of the activity on their children with disabilities.ObjectiveTo explore and describe parents’ perceptions and experiences of THR as an activity for their children with disabilities.MethodTwelve parents whose children attend THR lessons at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association in Cape Town were asked to participate in a semi-structured interview. The qualitative data obtained from the interviews were first transcribed and then analysed using thematic analysis to establish parents’ perceptions of the THR activity.ResultsThe main themes that emerged included parental perceived effects of THR on children, parents’ personal experiences of the services, and parents’ perceived reasons for improvements in the children. The participating parents indicated that THR had had a positive psychological, social and physical effect both on the children participating in the riding, as well as on the parents themselves.ConclusionAccording to parents, THR plays an important role in the lives of children with various disabilities and in the lives of their parents. The results of the study address the gap in the literature regarding parents’ perceptions of THR.

Autism and Equine-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Mapping Review.

This systematic mapping review mapped current knowledge of equine-assisted interventions for people with autism to help guide future practice and research. Thirty-three studies including children and adolescents with autism, 3 of which confirmed diagnoses, were reviewed. Five types of equine-assisted activities were identified across 25 studies, with reported improvements in behavior, social interaction, and communication. Four types of equine-assisted therapies were identified across 8 studies, with reported improvements in motor control and self-care. Different approaches to therapeutic riding and hippotherapy, the most studied interventions, were evident. While this literature reflected early scientific development, it offered broad proof of concept that equine-assisted interventions can benefit children and adolescents with autism. Promising outcomes support continued investigation focused on standardization, appropriateness, and efficacy.

The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy on Communication Within Familial Relationships of Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract Date Presented 3/30/2017 This phenomenological study explored the impact of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) on family communication among veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Results showed EAT positively affected communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills within the family. Primary Author and Speaker: Hilary Vasher Additional Authors and Speakers: Missy Delano, Ellen Herlache-Pretzer, Kayla Meyer, Kellie Stawowy

Lovasterápia hatása cerebral paresises gyermekek esetében - irodalmi kritikai áttekintése

Lovasterápia hatása cerebral paresises gyermekek esetében - irodalmi kritikai áttekintése

Using Therapeutic Riding as an Intervention for Combat Veterans: An International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Approach

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on posttraumatic stress symptoms, quality of life, and functioning of combat veterans using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a framework. Fifty-one veterans and active duty service members participated in an 8-week therapeutic riding program. The study findings revealed clinically significant decrease in PTSD symptoms, improved social functioning, vitality, less interference of emotions on daily activities, and increased participation. Qualitative themes discovered included improved confidence, trust, acceptance of self and others, and gratitude. Qualitative and quantitative data linked to the ICF components.

재활승마가 지적장애 청소년들의 신체구성 및 카테콜라민에 미치는 영향

재활승마가 지적장애 청소년들의 신체구성 및 카테콜라민에 미치는 영향

Horses Working in Therapeutic Riding Programs: Cortisol, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Glucose, and Behavior Stress Indicators

In order to determine horses' stress and ensure health and welfare of horses working with military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a therapeutic horseback riding program, we measured the stress levels of the horses. Five horses worked in two 6-week therapeutic riding sessions: one 6-week session ridden by military veterans with PTSD (session 1) and one 6-week session ridden by experienced riders (session 2). Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), glucose, and cortisol levels were determined on a resting day (baseline [BL]) and in weeks 1, 3, and 6 before each riding class (T1), after tacking (T2), and after each riding class (T3). Behavioral patterns for stress were determined before venipuncture at the same intervals. In session 1, cortisol level at BL was significantly lower than at T1 and T3, whereas in session 2, it was significantly higher than at T1 and T3. Cortisol level in session 1 was significantly higher than session 2 at T1 and T3. No significant differences were found between two sessions or over time for ACTH. Glucose level at BL was significantly higher than at T3 in session 1 and higher than at T1 in session 2. Glucose level in session 1 was significantly higher than session 2 at T1, T2, and T3. Stress behavior scores were significantly lower in session 1 than session 2. Although physiological and behavioral patterns for stress varied across experimental conditions, they remained within normal reference ranges. There was no evidence that horses carrying riders with a disability were unduly stressed.

Effets de l’équithérapie pour 3 enfants présentant le syndrome Smith-Magenis : la tolérance à la frustration et autres apports

Relationships with animals are recognized as positive for children with ADHD, ASD or learning disabilities, both at home and during animal-assisted interventions. Based on these assumptions, the French association “Pas-à-pas avec Alexia” proposes equine-assisted psychotherapy to children with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) since May 2012. This syndrome is a rare genetic disease, which has health consequences because of congenital malformations and sleeping troubles. It affects all areas of development: cognition, motor function and emotional skills. One of its characteristics is maladaptive behavior. We presented here a follow-up of three children with SMS: one girl aged 37 months old, two boys one aged 47 months old and the other one aged 74 months old (age at the beginning of the follow-up). They experienced weekly equine-assisted psychotherapy for 25 months with the same professional, a psychologist trained in equine-assisted psychotherapy. She wrote individual projects that took the child's personal issues and parental expectations into account. She analysed observation notes for each session to evaluate the effects and the relevance of this intervention. From this analysis, a feature appeared to be common in the three children, i.e. frustration intolerance which they express by tantrum for example. During those tantrums, the children could hurt themselves (e.g. hand biting, head banging, skin piking, slapping self), the pony, or even the psychologist involved. When the anger was out of control, the only way to stop it was to interrupt the relationship between the child and the dyad pony/psychologist. Without any outside stimulations, the child was able to calm himself and to “come back” with the human-animal dyad. At the end of the 25 months program, each child was able to manage frustrating events better in both equine-assisted psychotherapy and daily life. The horses’ non-verbal and non-judging characteristics helped these children to transmit their relationship issues that seem to be at the basis of their difficulties to tolerate frustration. As this equine-assisted psychotherapy was positive for these children, the program is being continued. Based on this pilot study, a wider research seems to be important to include more children with SMS in order to evaluate the quantitative effects of equine-assisted psychotherapy on their behavioral disabilities.

Research on Hippotherapy Effects in Children whith Disabilities

This paper presents a study on the interaction of children with special needs and horses, which attempts to demonstrate the effects of hipoterapy in helping children with disabilities. The research was conducted on a group of 20 children with disabilities who participated in this type of therapy for 8 months (January-August 2015) in Leorinţ Leisure Center and Riding Therapy, which owns 6 horses. This study was conducted by a psychologist pre- and post-evaluation and there were followed skills and cognitive function, motor skills, spatial-temporal orientation skills, sensory-perceptual organization, examining language and personality of children. In the first stage an initial assessment of children was made representing the starting point to see to what extent children are, what special needs they have and what gaps need to be recovered or what skills and qualities may be based in therapy. After 3 months of hippotherapy, in April 2015, there was made intermediar evaluation of beneficiaries to see if the intended results were achieved and where to optimise the therapy. The final evaluation was conducted in August 2015, after four months from the intermediar evaluation. Applying hippotherapy for children with various disabilities, it was found that children moving better, move better, speak more easily, communicate and become more careful. Besides outcomes of hippotherapy and results are measurable and easily to observe such as satisfaction to participate in hippotherapy sessions and getting into contact with the horses.

‘It just opens up their world’: autism, empathy, and the therapeutic effects of equine interactions

ABSTRACTExperiences of autism-spectrum disorder are now increasingly studied by social scientists. Human–animal relations have also become a major focus of social inquiry in recent years. Examining horse-assisted therapy for autistic spectrum disorders, this is the first paper that brings these fields together. Drawing on participant observation and interviews at a UK horse therapy Centre, this article examines how staff and the parents of riders account for the successes and limitations of equine therapy. To the respondents, horses ‘open up’ autistic children and make possible interactions that seemed impossible before. Horses were regarded as facilitating the emergence of apparently social behaviours, which included eye contact, pointing, and speech. Three key explanations emerged for therapeutic success: the sensorial, embodied experience of riding the horse; the specific movements and rhythms of the horse; and, the ‘personality’ of the horse. Equine therapy can be regarded as enabling a form of multispecies intersubjectivity, with the resonance between rider and horse seeming to make possible a new attunement between humans. Practices of equine therapy, and perceptions of its efficacy, serve in turn to attune social scientists to a version of empathy constituted through lively and sensorial interactions, as opposed to one that is restricted to particular kinds of humans.

A space of safety: Children's experience of equine‐assisted group therapy

AbstractOwing to a shift in alcohol and other drug practice towards a more ecological understanding of the impact of problematic parental substance use, children who were previously forgotten by practitioners are increasingly being included in alcohol and other drug service provision. Occurring concurrently with these changes has been a boom in interest in non‐talk‐based therapies to enhance child well‐being. Examples of such therapeutic interventions include adventure‐based activities, theatre, yoga, music, and purposeful interaction with animals. The latter approach, increasingly delivered by social workers, is known as animal‐assisted therapy and involves the inclusion of animals in a goal‐directed intervention. Equine‐assisted therapy (EAT) is a specialised branch of animal‐assisted therapy in which horses are used to cofacilitate therapeutic interventions. Although EAT practitioners argue horses are uniquely effective therapeutic animals, a strong evidence base has not yet developed. The present study utilised qualitative methods to explore children's individual experiences of an EAT program. Thematic analysis of interview data found that EAT is beneficial to children experiencing problematic parental substance use as it offers an environment in which children can feel safe and secure and are supported to grow, personally and socially, by mastering fears, making new friends, and improving their interpersonal behaviours.

An assessment of the educational needs of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) centers

An assessment of the educational needs of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) centers