Horseback riding therapy has been prescribed for individuals with developmental challenges for decades now. But what are the benefits of horse therapy for autism? Scientists concluded that the horse’s rhythmic movement can achieve specific therapeutic outcomes.
Also known as equine therapy for autism, this approach involves interacting with horses for improved emotional, cognitive, and physical health. When combined with other treatments, this therapy provides a fun and interesting way to help improve your child’s communication, social skills, and overall well-being. They may want to spend more time outside, too, which is always a plus!
What is equine therapy?
Equine therapy is perfect for children (and adults) who love watching horse movies and dream of riding one themselves. Even if they’ve never shown any interest in these wonderful animals, they may enjoy this unique approach that might positively impact every aspect of their lives.
As the name suggests, horse therapy involves spending time caring for and interacting with horses. This often includes feeding, grooming, and riding, allowing individuals to work on their life skills in a natural setting.
It can be used for many things, depending on the individual’s unique needs and preferences. Equine therapy for autism proved to be an effective approach, leading to improved communication, physical health, social skills, and more.
Horse therapy for autism: Why should you consider it?
Spending time in nature can bring many benefits for autistic individuals. Add horses to the mix, and it may be exactly what they need to gain the skills they need to thrive.
Activities for autism equine therapy are adapted to the individual’s needs. They often target emotional regulation, responsibility skills, and building trust. Interactions with horses happen in a safe and controlled environment, ensuring the individual doesn’t feel scared or threatened.
It is not uncommon for autistic individuals to form a special bond with their horses during equine therapy. Not only does this help with emotional dysregulation, but it can also help with building empathy and confidence.
On top of that, spending time with and caring for a horse helps autistic individuals learn how to interact with others. This allows them to improve their social skills naturally in a controlled and safe environment.
Horse riding for autism
Not only is horseback riding for autism fun, but it can also bring many benefits to individuals on the spectrum. Of course, training is done in a safe and supportive environment, without pressuring or overwhelming the individual.
Horseback riding offers a range of physical, emotional, and social benefits for autistic individuals. One of the biggest advantages is its impact on self-regulation.
The rhythmic movement of the horse has a calming effect, helping riders manage emotions such as anxiety, irritability, and hyperactivity. Many participants in therapeutic riding programs experience an overall improvement in mood and behavior.
Communication skills can also improve through horseback riding. Riders are often encouraged to give verbal commands to their horses, reinforcing expressive language abilities.
Physically, horseback riding enhances coordination, balance, and core strength. The motion of the horse requires continuous adjustments from the rider, which strengthens muscles and improves posture.
Many individuals who participate in riding programs develop better motor planning and body awareness, which can help them with everyday tasks.
Who can give horse therapy?
Horse therapy for autism is often provided by trained riding instructors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals familiar with this approach.
Before choosing the right person to work with your loved one, make sure they are familiar with autism and have worked with autistic individuals before. That way, they can adapt therapy to the individual’s unique needs and target areas for improvement.
Your state may require practitioners to have a license or certification to work with horses in this setting.
Equine simulator therapy
Recognizing all of the incredible benefits of horse therapy for autism, some innovators have sought to replicate the therapeutic effects of horseback riding in new ways.
One such creation is REST™, a horse-riding simulator designed to provide similar calming and sensory benefits without the need for an actual horse.
This device has been tested in schools and therapy centers, showing promise in helping individuals with autism manage stress and improve focus.
Whether through traditional horseback riding or innovative alternatives like REST, equine therapy continues to be a valuable tool for supporting autistic individuals in their daily lives.
More information about REST is available at:
- Website: www.restbygait.com;
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RESTbyGAIT/;
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RESTbyGAIT.
This article was featured in Issue 46 – The Time for Acceptance
FAQs
Q: Are horses good for autistic people?
A: Horses can be beneficial for autistic individuals by providing sensory input, promoting emotional regulation, and improving social skills. Equine-assisted therapy has been shown to enhance communication, confidence, and motor skills in autistic people.
Q: What is the best sport for autism?
A: The best sport for autism depends on individual preferences, but swimming, martial arts, and horseback riding are often recommended for their structured environments and sensory benefits. These sports help with coordination, focus, and social interaction while reducing anxiety.
Q: What animal can help with autism?
A: Dogs, especially trained therapy or service dogs, are commonly used to help autistic individuals with emotional regulation, safety, and social interaction. Other animals, such as horses, guinea pigs, and cats, can also provide comfort and sensory benefits.
Q: Are horses good for people with ADHD?
A: Horseback riding can help people with ADHD by improving focus, impulse control, and self-discipline through structured routines. The rhythmic movement of riding also provides sensory input that can promote calmness and concentration.
References
Robin L. Gabriels, John A. Agnew, Katherine D. Holt, Amy Shoffner, Pan Zhaoxing, Selga Ruzzano, Gerald H. Clayton, Gary Mesibov, Pilot study measuring the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on school-age children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 6, Issue 2, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2011.09.007
Chen, S., Zhang, Y., Zhao, M., Du, X., Wang, Y., & Liu, X. (2022). Effects of therapeutic horseback-riding program on social and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(21), 14449. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/21/14449
Sissons, J. H., Blakemore, E., Shafi, H., Skotny, N., & Lloyd, D. M. (2022). Calm with horses? A systematic review of animal-assisted interventions for improving social functioning in children with autism. Autism, 26(6), 1320-1340. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13623613221085338
Xiao, N., Shinwari, K., Kiselev, S., Huang, X., Li, B., & Qi, J. (2023). Effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(3), 2630. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/3/2630
Zhao, M., Chen, S., You, Y., Wang, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Effects of a therapeutic horseback riding program on social interaction and communication in children with autism. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(5), 2656. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/5/2656
