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Therapeutic horseback riding:
J R Mackinnon1, S Noh, D Laliberte
1Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Elborn College, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6G 1H1.
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
|February 1, 2011
Summary
Therapeutic horseback riding shows some benefits, but studies lack rigor and standardized measures. More research is needed to confirm physical and psychosocial effects in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Rehabilitation science
Background:
- Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) is claimed to offer physical and psychosocial benefits.
- Existing literature presents a mixed evidence base regarding its efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding.
- To evaluate the outcomes of eleven studies validating these therapeutic claims.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on therapeutic horseback riding.
- Analysis of physical and psychosocial variables investigated in outcome studies.
- Assessment of the scientific rigor and methodology of included studies.
Main Results:
- General literature suggests obvious benefits of horseback riding.
- Outcome studies documented some significant effects but had limitations.
- Identified weaknesses include small sample sizes, lack of population homogeneity, and limited use of standardized measures.
Conclusions:
- Further research is required to substantiate both physical and psychosocial benefits of therapeutic horseback riding.
- Future studies should enhance methodological rigor, ensure population homogeneity, increase sample sizes, and utilize standardized measurement instruments.
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