The impact of the “Stirrup Some Fun” therapeutic horseback riding program: A qualitative investigation

Abstract

Therapeutic horseback riding is an intervention utilizing horses in the treatment of individuals with emotional, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived impact of a therapeutic riding program on children with mild to moderate physical and mental disabilities. Two groups of participants including five children (with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities) and at least one parent of each of the five children were interviewed to investigate the impact of the Stirrup Some Fun Therapeutic Riding Program (SSF TRP). Qualitative data analysis procedures were used to explore participants’ views and opinions of the SSF TRP. Several themes emerged from the interviews with the participants and their parents, including (a) enjoyment, (b) the child/animal connection, (c) social relationships with volunteers, (d) perceived physical benefits, and (e) the social and mental benefits of the program.

‘When he’s up there he’s just happy and content’: Parents’ perceptions of therapeutic horseback riding

“…One parent reported that following interaction with the horse his autistic child was able to better interact with other individuals. This finding confirms that of Elliott et al ( 2008 ) who asserted that communication with a horse might be easier for children with disabilities as the animal is non-judgmental. The bond that develops between the children and the horses allows them to develop qualities such as empathy, affection and confidence.…”

“…Postural control and balance (Bertoti 1988 ; Land, Errington & Paul 2002 ; Scialli 2002 ) as well as coordination (Brock 1990 ; Scialli 2002 ) is another set of physical functions that have been reported to improve following THR. Psychological functions, like a sense of accomplishment and achievement (All et al 1999 ; Davis et al 2009 ; Elliott, Funderburk & Holland 2008 ), resulting in increased self-confidence self-esteem, and self-worth, occurred following THR (All et al 1999 ; Bass et al 2009 ; Drnach et al 2010 ; Lessick et al 2004 ; Scialli 2002 ; Surujlal & Rufus 2011 ). Riding gives people with disabilities a chance to participate in and succeed at something that many people without a disability may hesitate to try (All et al 1999 ; Lessick et al 2004 ).…”

“…The participative environment and opportunity to interact with other children with similar disabilities also have a positive effect on social functioning (Lessick et al 2004 ). Riding is a multisensory experience in which the participant is interacting with the horse as well as riding it (Bass et al 2009 ), and communication with a horse may be less threatening as horses cannot speak back (Elliott et al 2008 ). Hence, it was found that participants with autism spectrum disorders had improved communication skills following THR (Grandin, Fine & Bowers 2010 ).…”

“…The majority of the literature reviewed focuses on the effect of THR on separate domains of functioning (i.e. physical, psychological or social), and only a few focus on the effect of THR on all domains of functioning (Davis et al 2009 ; Elliott et al 2008 ; Scialli 2002 ). This study did not focus on any specific effects of THR but rather aimed to gauge a general overview of the activity and its effects from the perspective of participating children’s parents.…”

Parental Perception of Changes in Basic Life Needs of Children with Disabilities after Six Months of Therapeutic Horseback Riding: A Qualitative Study

“…Similarly, in one later U.S. qualitative study, Miller and Alston [16] described, through perceptions of included parents, improvements in the social and academic development of children with disabilities. The positive effects of THR on self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth of children with mild to moderate physical and mental disabilities were noted by parents in a study by Elliot et al [17]. Similar experiences were also described in an Australian study in which parents of children with cerebral palsy reported that THR had a positive effect on their children's confidence and fear of heights [18].…”