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Equine Assisted Therapy
By Lainey Sullivan

Equine Asssited Therapy, as defined by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, is “treatment that incorporates equine activities and/or the equine environment” (5). Such activities include riding lessons, grooming time with horses, and preparing horses for lessons. Equine assisted therapy treats patients who have experienced substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, behavior disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, etc. (3). Not only does equine assisted therapy treat psychological disorders, but physical disabilities as well such as patients with muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or patients with amputations (4).

Benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy
According to CRC Health, EAT can help develop a sense of responsibility and accountability in patients. Health Professionals also look for signs of increased self-confidence, development of problem solving skills, and a sense of self-awareness. Professionals have also noticed changes in emotional awareness, increased independence, and developments in social skills (3). Patients receiving treatment for physical disabilities also set goals to increase self-confidence as well as finding a pleasant physical exercise (4).

Research Within Equine Assisted Therapy
There are many research projects done to help provide evidence that equine assisted therapy can be an effective treatment for some patients. A study published in the 39th volume of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders claims that “the results [of the study] provide evidence that therapeutic horseback riding may be a viable therapeutic option in treating children with autism spectrum disorders” (2). The study used 19 subjects in the experimental condition and 15 subjects for a controlled sample. The 19 experimental subjects took 12 weeks of horseback riding activities. The researchers found that the children that were in the experimental group showed improved sensory seeking and social motivation. The children were also more attentive, and exhibited inactive behaviors (2).

Research within equine assisted therapy was also recorded in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine to see if equine assisted therapy aided children with Cerebral Palsy. Within this study 15 children were chosen and were randomly assigned a group, some would perform 8 minutes of EAT and some were chosen to stay stationary as the control group. The researchers reported that there was “significant improvement in symmetry of muscle activity was noted [after the treatment].” (1)

A final example of the variety of research done within this field is a project published in the “Health of Social Care in the Community” journal, volume 15, studied the effects of Equine Assisted Therapy activities on children who have experienced violence within their family. The goal of this study was to be able to provide these children with an outlet to “address self-esteem and personal confidence, communication and interpersonal effectiveness.”(8). These children are more susceptible to anger issues, anxiety and depressive disorders, low self-esteem, and ADHD because of the violence they have witnessed and been exposed to within their families. 63 subjects that have seen a therapist for behavioral issues for an 18-month period were chosen for this study. These children were measured on the Children’s Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) prior to EAT treatment and the average score was 54.1. After an average of 19 EAT treatments the GAF average score was 61.7. This improvement was shown to be most prevalent in younger subjects. The GAF scores post treatment was compared to those with GAF scores of children who do not have a history of family violence and were significantly higher. (8)

PATH International
Many Therapeutic Riding facilities require that all instructors are PATH certified. PATH, or Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International is an association that provides patients looking for EAT treatment with information about the EAT and can refer them to a PATH certified facility near them. PATH has over 850 facilities and has helped 54,000 people worldwide. In addition to traditional horseback riding, PATH facilities also teach horse carriage driving as another form of EAT. PATH functions on its core values; “Access and inclusion, compassion and collaboration, cooperation and collaboration, education, excellence, innovation, integrity and accountability, professionalism, service, and holism" (6). Certification to become a PATH instructor, first aid certification is required as well as passing the online center and accreditation training exam given by PATH (7).