Equine Therapy: Yay or Nay?

Horseback riding can improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength in children with autism.

Equine Therapy, more commonly known as horse therapy, has been gaining traction as an effective intervention in Children with Autism (ASD). It is a type of therapy that allows your child to interact with horses, citing benefits of improving both physical and cognitive skills. In this article, we will share about the effects of Equine Therapy to provide a better overall picture of what it offers.

Benefits

1. Fosters Social Skills and Communication 

Children with ASD often find it easier to connect with animals rather than humans. They will physically communicate with their horses through patting, feeding and brushing them. This can help them to build emotional bonds as they learn feelings of care and affection (Xiao et al., 2023). Some of these skills may then be transferred to human interactions, as your child feels more comfortable socialising with people. Equine therapy can also improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Children are taught to give commands to the horse, interpret the horse's reactions, and communicate with instructors and peers during sessions. The high and constant engagement with children will foster emotional connections and social interactions (Srinivasan et al., 2018).

2. Motor Skills Improvement

Horseback riding can improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength in children with autism (Golden-User, 2023). For example, having to balance on the horse helps their child strengthen their core muscles which in turn improves their posture. Having to hold onto the horse reins works their fingers and grip as well, requiring smaller movements and precision. Overall, Equine Therapy builds on both gross and fine motor skills.

3. Behavioural and Emotional Regulation

Interacting with horses can help children regulate their emotions (Clarke, 2024). The bond formed with the horse can provide a sense of comfort and security, reducing anxiety and stress levels. It can also aid children in managing distress levels, as it gives them a safe space for them to express themselves and deal with negative emotions. Research has found that having an outlet for their emotions can lead to less problem behaviours. Some such behaviours include trouble concentrating, impulsivity, hyperactivity and aggression (Srinivasan et al., 2018). 

4. Sensory Benefits

The multisensory experience of being around horses, including the sights, sounds, and smells of the stable environment, can help children with sensory processing difficulties regulate their sensory input (Equine F). Riding a horse requires spatial orientation, and the changes in speed and incline helps to activate their senses (Healing Horses, 2021). The rhythmic motion of the horse can have a calming effect on the child’s sensory systems too.

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Points to consider

1. Cost

Equine therapy can be expensive, as it requires specialised facilities, trained therapists, and the upkeep of horses (Clarke, 2024). Insurance coverage for Equine Therapy may be limited or non-existent, making it financially inaccessible for some families.

2. Safety concerns

 Working with horses involves inherent risks, including the possibility of falls, kicks, or other injuries. While there will be certified physical therapists or occupational therapists on board ensuring their safety, children may have difficulty following safety instructions or understanding the horse's behaviour, increasing the risk of accidents.

3. Generalisation of skills

The skills learned in equine therapy sessions may not always generalise to other settings or contexts. While children can show improvement in certain areas during sessions, they might struggle to apply these skills outside of the stable environment.

4. Individual variability

 Not all children with autism will respond positively to Equine Therapy. Some may find the experience overwhelming or frightening, leading to avoidance behaviour. It is essential to assess each child's individual needs and preferences to determine whether equine therapy is a suitable intervention for them.

Most importantly, remember to keep your child’s interest at heart, and we hope this article has been of help in providing greater knowledge about Equine Therapy!

Written by: Micole

References

iStock. (n.d.). Children riding in a park [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/children-riding-in-a-park-gm1145104179-308119755

Clarke, J. (2024, January 16). Equine therapy as mental health treatment: How it’s used. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/equine-therapy-mental-health-treatment-4177932 

Equine, F. (n.d.). 5 ways horse-riding can benefit children with autism. Forces Equine. https://www.forcesequine.com/news/5-ways-horse-riding-can-benefit-children-with-autism 

Golden-User. (2023, June 1). Equestrian therapy: A promising treatment for autism. Golden Care. https://www.goldencaretherapy.com/equestrian-therapy-for-autism/ 

Healing Horses. (2021, November). Healing horses Singapore. Healing Horses Singapore. https://healinghorsessingapore.org/horse-therapy-for-autism-singapore/#:~:text=Autistic%20children%20often%20have%20difficulty,with%20more%20opportunities%20to%20communicate. 

Srinivasan, S. M., Cavagnino, D. T., & Bhat, A. N. (2018). Effects of equine therapy on individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 5(2), 156–175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-018-0130-z

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://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032630