Scientists Discover How Horseback Riding Affects Behavior in Children with Autism

The study builds on earlier research by the team showing that an eight- to ten-week course of therapeutic horseback riding can benefit children with autism. This time, the researchers set out to determine whether the results could be replicated at another center and whether horse-related activities could help children even without direct contact with animals or riding.

The study involved children with autism and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. They were divided into three groups: the first participated in horseback riding, the second took part in horse-related activities without interacting with live animals, and the third served as a waitlist control group.

Children who participated in horseback riding experienced a significantly greater reduction in hyperactivity than those in either of the other two groups. Meanwhile, both groups involved in horse-related programs showed improvements compared with the waitlist group in areas such as irritability, emotional regulation, and social interaction.

“There is something special about horseback riding that seems to be particularly helpful for children with hyperactivity,” said the study's lead author, Robin Gabriels, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and a clinical psychologist at Children's Hospital Colorado. According to Gabriels, equine-assisted therapy could serve as a complement to existing treatments.

The researchers also examined whether children needed to ride horses to benefit from these activities. Participants in the second group completed horse-related tasks, including interacting with a life-sized toy horse, but had no contact with live animals. They also showed improvements in some behavioral and emotional measures.