Understanding the Effects of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Functional and Behavioral Outcome in Autistic Children and Adolescents

Background: Equine-assisted services (EAS), such as therapeutic horseback riding (THR) have been shown to provide a stimulatory environment that can improve functional motor skills and emotional well-being in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe the effects of an 8 week THR program on muscle strength, dynamic stability, equine riding performance, and emotional regulation in children and adolescents with and without ASD. Methods: 12 children with and without ASD are presently enrolled in a therapeutic riding program. Experimental data will be assessed at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks of program instruction. Experimental data assessed: Emotion regulation using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA). Dynamic stability and core strength integrated measurements will be taken through three dynamic tests: the 30 second chair stand, the timed up and go, and the four square dynamic stability test. Core strength will also be measured through a reach test performed while on the horse. Balance will be measured using video to evaluate the posture on the horse using the Gainesville Riding through Equine Assisted Therapy (G.R.E.A.T.) postural scale for reference