Overview

Studies have demonstrated that Equine Assisted Services (EAS) can have a positive effect on individuals with special needs including autism spectrum disorder, blind and visually impaired, cerebral palsy, and many other disabilities. EAAT has been shown to aid children and adults with disabilities in many areas of life including: physical, cognitive, speech-language, and social-emotional skills. EAAT can be a powerful tool to promote healing. The horse, at a walk, provides the rider with symmetrical movement at the pelvis that is similar to a typical human gait. This physical experience can improve the patient’s ability to walk. Further, when the horse walks, each hoof hits the ground at a different time, and with each step the rider is challenged to maintain his/her balance on the horse. Together, these movements promote the patient’s balance and coordination skills. Finally, the horse’s walk is consistent, frequent and predictable, all of which are important when learning or refining a motor skill. Patients often develop a special relationship with the horse, which can facilitate communication skills. In addition, the horse’s movement provides a rich sensory experience, which can aid in sensory integration processing. Many individuals can benefit from Therapeutic Riding (TR), including those with cerebral palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Integration Disorder (SID), as well as those with no specific physical disabilities but with global development delays.