Who Benefits from EAAT?

EEAT stands for equine-assisted activities and therapies.  Working with horses can have an incredible impact, both physical and emotional, on people with a variety of disabilities. 

Here are 10 disabilities that benefit from therapeutic riding and equine assisted therapy:

1.   Amputations
People who have had an amputation can be a successful rider. The use of hippotherapy found that participants had increased speed and distance.  There is also the possibility of adapting equipment to accommodate people with amputations of either upper or lower extremities.

2.   Attention Deficit Disorder
Horseback riding requires the attention of both the instructor and horse.  Children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) learn how to control their horse while becoming more independent.  Lesson length is modified to accommodate attention span as the participant goes through the program. 

3.   Autism
Both therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy such as hippotherapy can impact the life of a person with autism. Children with autism improve in sensory integration and attention after participating in a therapeutic horseback riding program.  Children who participate in speech hippotherapy sessions can improve in at least one of the following areas: verbal and/or nonverbal communication, relating to people, or listening, 

4.   Cerebral Palsy
Riders with cerebral palsy can progress from riding with side walkers to riding independently.  People with cerebral palsy that participate in hippotherapy with a physical or occupational therapist can improve control of their heads and bodies and maintain these improvements after the treatment therapy.

5.   Stroke
People who have experienced a stroke may have challenges with certain areas of their body due to damages the trauma caused the brain.  Some of these challenges include loss of the use of a limb, balance problems, or difficulty with speech.  Through the use of therapeutic riding and hippotherapy, participants can strengthen those areas once again.  The strengthening of their core vastly improves their balance.

6.   Deafness
People with hearing impairments are able to develop specialized ways to communicate with their horse and instructor in therapeutic riding. The feeling of independence is very empowering for these individuals, immensely improving their self-esteem.

7.   Learning Disabilities
Since horseback riding incorporates a variety of senses and methods, it provides people with learning disabilities the opportunity to learn through their preferred method: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.  This helps with the motivation to learn in these individuals. The horse's response to the participants' commands is valuable reinforcement to continue learning.

8.   Multiple Sclerosis
Riding within their limits of strength and energy, therapeutic riding can be a great source of exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).  Hippotherapy can have great effects on posture and balance in participants with MS.

9.   Muscular Dystrophy
Riding may be adjusted to the ability of the rider.  Participants with muscular dystrophy may start out as more independent riders, but will need extra support as the disease progresses.  Riding helps with flexibility and exercise while providing emotional benefits as participants cope with the changes in their bodies due to the advancement of the disease.

10. Visual Impairment
People with visual impairments can be very independent riders.  Accommodations can be made to assist riders with visual impairments such as instructor guidance over a PA system or audible markers in the riding arena.  Individuals with visual impairments can even participate in equestrian events.




*This was done for course content purposes and is in no way associated with the organization.*