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Effects of an Equine-Assisted Riding Program on Motor Performance, Movement Quality, and Well-Being Among Young
Milan Dransmann1, Martin Koddebusch1, Pamela Wicker1
1Department of Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
A short equine-assisted program significantly improved riding skills, movement quality, and well-being in young inmates. This suggests equine therapy offers a valuable complementary approach to correctional rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Psychology
- Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Correctional Interventions
Background:
- Equine-assisted programs are recognized for psychosocial benefits.
- Quantitative data on motor improvements in correctional settings is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a one-week equine-assisted riding program.
- To evaluate effects on riding performance, movement quality, and well-being.
- Focus on young inmates in a German correctional facility.
Main Methods:
- A five-day program included riding, group activities, and reflection.
- Participants (n=10) underwent pre- and post-program assessments.
- Standardized ratings evaluated riding performance and movement quality; well-being was measured using the WHO-5 Index.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements observed in riding performance (walk and trot) with large effect sizes.
- Enhanced autotelic (experience-oriented) movement quality reported; no change in telic (goal-oriented) quality.
- Significant increase in participant well-being from pre- to post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- Brief, experience-focused equine programs yield notable gains in motor skills and well-being within correctional settings.
- Equine-assisted programs show promise as a complementary rehabilitation strategy.
- Integration of physical, emotional, and social learning processes is facilitated.
