Abstract: To investigate evidence of horse riding in the development of language, cognition, social, emotional, and behavioral aspects in neurotypical children and adolescents. Methods: Search in the databases of LILACS, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and grey literature, without date or language restrictions. Registration in the Open Science Framework (OSF), under number DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/32ETZ. For search strategies: "Equine-Assisted Therapy", "Child or Adolescent Development", Cognition, Socialization, and "Child Behavior". Methods: Randomized clinical trials and non-randomized experimental before-and-after studies, case series, and prospective observational studies of neurotypically developing people up to 18 years old. Studies with people with disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders were excluded. Interventions researched: horse riding and animal-assisted therapy. Methods: Two judges identified primary studies independently by reading the titles and abstracts, considering the inclusion criteria; a third judge was consulted to resolve divergences. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I and ROBINS 2 tools. Results: Altogether, 131 studies were obtained, and duplicates (27) were removed. Subsequently, 104 studies were analyzed and 77 were excluded. Of the 27 studies evaluated in full text, 21 were excluded. Six studies were eligible for this review - four non-randomized clinical studies and two randomized clinical trials. Conclusions: The non-randomized studies showed significant improvements in cognitive functions and behavioral and emotional aspects. The randomized studies, on the other hand, found significant gains in social competence. Objective: investigar evidências da equitação no desenvolvimento de linguagem, cognição, aspectos sociais, emocionais e comportamentais em crianças e adolescentes neurotípicos. Unassigned: Consulta nas bases de dados da Lilacs, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus e literatura cinzenta, sem restrições de data ou idioma. Registro na plataforma Open Science Framework (OSF), sob número: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/32ETZ. Para estratégias de busca: “Equine-Assisted Therapy”, “Child or Adolescent Development", Cognition, Socialization e "Child Behavior”. Unassigned: Ensaios clínicos randomizados e estudos experimentais não randomizados de antes e depois, série de casos e observacionais prospectivos de pessoas com desenvolvimento neurotípico com até 18 anos de idade. Excluídos os estudos com pessoas com deficiência e transtornos do neurodesenvolvimento. Unassigned: Equitação e terapia assistida por animais. Análise dos dados: A identificação de estudos primários foi realizada por dois juízes de forma independente, por meio de leitura dos títulos e resumos baseada nos critérios de inclusão e um terceiro juiz era consultado para caso de desempate. O risco de viés foi avaliado pelas ferramentas ROBINS-I e a ROBINS-2. Results: Foram obtidos 131 estudos, sendo removidos os duplicados (27). Em seguida, 104 estudos foram analisados e 77 excluídos. Dos 27 estudos avaliados integralmente, 21 foram excluídos. Seis estudos foram elegíveis para esta revisão, sendo quatro estudos clínicos não randomizados e dois ensaios clínicos randomizados. Unassigned: Os estudos não randomizados apontaram melhoras significativas quanto às funções cognitivas, aspectos comportamentais e emocionais. Já os estudos randomizados, encontraram ganhos significativos quanto à competência social. investigar evidências da equitação no desenvolvimento de linguagem, cognição, aspectos sociais, emocionais e comportamentais em crianças e adolescentes neurotípicos. Consulta nas bases de dados da Lilacs, MEDLINE, , EMBASE, e literatura cinzenta, sem restrições de data ou idioma. Registro na plataforma Open Science Framework (OSF), sob número: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/32ETZ. Para estratégias de busca: “”, “", e "”. Ensaios clínicos randomizados e estudos experimentais não randomizados de antes e depois, série de casos e observacionais prospectivos de pessoas com desenvolvimento neurotípico com até 18 anos de idade. Excluídos os estudos com pessoas com deficiência e transtornos do neurodesenvolvimento. Equitação e terapia assistida por animais. Análise dos dados: A identificação de estudos primários foi realizada por dois juízes de forma independente, por meio de leitura dos títulos e resumos baseada nos critérios de inclusão e um terceiro juiz era consultado para caso de desempate. O risco de viés foi avaliado pelas ferramentas ROBINS-I e a ROBINS-2. Foram obtidos 131 estudos, sendo removidos os duplicados (27). Em seguida, 104 estudos foram analisados e 77 excluídos. Dos 27 estudos avaliados integralmente, 21 foram excluídos. Seis estudos foram elegíveis para esta revisão, sendo quatro estudos clínicos não randomizados e dois ensaios clínicos randomizados. Os estudos não randomizados apontaram melhoras significativas quanto às funções cognitivas, aspectos comportamentais e emocionais. Já os estudos randomizados, encontraram ganhos significativos quanto à competência social.
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
Overview
This study reviews existing research on the benefits of horseback riding for neurotypical children and adolescents, specifically its impact on language, cognition, social skills, emotional wellbeing, and behavior.
Research Objective
To investigate evidence on how horseback riding affects development in key areas for neurotypical children and adolescents, including language, cognition, social interaction, emotional health, and behavior.
Methodology
Data Sources: Comprehensive search across multiple databases such as LILACS, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and grey literature, with no restrictions on date or language.
Registration: The research protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) under DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/32ETZ.
Search Terms: Included “Equine-Assisted Therapy,” “Child or Adolescent Development,” Cognition, Socialization, and “Child Behavior.”
Study Inclusion Criteria:
Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), non-randomized before-and-after studies, case series, and prospective observational studies focusing on neurotypical individuals up to age 18.
Excluded studies involving participants with disabilities or neurodevelopmental disorders.
Intervention Types: Horseback riding and animal-assisted therapy involving horses.
Study Selection Process:
Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts based on inclusion criteria.
Disagreements were resolved by consulting a third reviewer.
Risk of Bias: Assessed using the ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies – of Interventions) and ROBINS-2 tools for randomized trials.
Study Selection and Results
A total of 131 studies were initially identified.
After removing 27 duplicates, 104 studies were screened.
77 studies were excluded based on title and abstract review.
27 full-text articles were reviewed in detail, with 21 excluded for not meeting criteria.
Six studies met eligibility:
Four were non-randomized clinical studies.
Two were randomized clinical trials.
Findings
From Non-Randomized Studies:
Significant improvements observed in cognitive functions among neurotypical children and adolescents.
Notable positive changes in behavioral and emotional aspects were reported.
From Randomized Clinical Trials:
Demonstrated significant gains in social competence, indicating enhanced social interaction skills.
Conclusions
Horseback riding and equine-assisted interventions may offer beneficial effects on the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social development of neurotypical children and adolescents.
Non-randomized evidence emphasizes cognitive and emotional-behavioral improvements, while randomized evidence particularly supports social competence gains.
The limited number of rigorous trials highlights the need for further high-quality research to confirm these findings.
Implications for Future Research and Practice
Additional randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to strengthen evidence on horseback riding benefits for neurotypical youth.
Practitioners and educators might consider integrating horseback riding programs as a supportive activity to promote various developmental domains.
Future studies should also explore long-term effects and optimal intervention designs for maximum developmental impact.
Cite This Article
APA
Silva FGD, Paula DD, Alves LM, Santos JN.
(2025).
Benefits of horseback riding for neurotypical children and adolescents: a scoping review.
Codas, 37(3), e20240083.
https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/e20240083pt
Departamento da Pós-graduação em Ciências Fonoaudiológicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
Paula, Danielle Diniz de
Departamento da Pós-graduação em Ciências Fonoaudiológicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
Alves, Luciana Mendonça
Departamento da Pós-graduação em Ciências Fonoaudiológicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
Santos, Juliana Nunes
Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia - ICTIN, Universidade Federal de Lavras - UFLA - Lavras (MG), Brasil.
MeSH Terms
Humans
Child
Adolescent
Equine-Assisted Therapy / methods
Horses
Animals
Cognition
Conflict of Interest Statement
nothing to declare.
References
This article includes 59 references
Roessler M, Rink B. In: Atlas do esporte no Brasil. Dacosta L, editor. Rio de Janeiro: Conselho Federal de Educação Física; 2006. Esportes Hípicos.
CBH: Confederação Brasileira de Hipismo . O Hipismo no Brasil e a CBH. Rio de Janeiro: CBH; 2012. [citado em 2024 Feb 11]. Disponível em: https://www.cbh.org.br/index.php/cbh/historico#n.
Associação Nacional de Equoterapia . Parecer Conselho Federal de Medicina, 06/97. Brasília: Associação Nacional de Equoterapia; 1997.
Wickert H. O cavalo como instrumento cinesioterapêutico. Equoterapia 1999;3(3):7–14.
Gilboa Y, Helmer A. Self-Management intervention for attention and executive functions using equine- assisted occupational therapy among children aged 6-14 diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Altern Complement Med 2020;26(3):239–246.
Niehues JR, Niehues MR. Equoterapia no Tratamento de Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH): implicações Pedagógicas. Rev Neurocienc 2014;22(1):121–126.
Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372(71):n71.
Sterne JAC, Hernán MA, Reeves BC, Savović J, Berkman ND, Viswanathan M. ROBINS-I: a tool for assessing risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions. BMJ 2016;355:i4919.
Sterne JAC, Savović J, Page MJ, Elbers RG, Blencowe NS, Boutron I. RoB 2: a revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ 2019;366:l4898.
Silva FG, Alves LM, Celeste LC, De Paula DD, Passamani JD, Santos JN. Os efeitos da equitação nas funções cognitivas de crianças e adolescentes. Psicopedagogia 2023;40(123):324–333.
Fonseca RP, de Salles JF, Parente MAMP. Development and content validity of the Brazilian Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Battery Neupsilin. Psychol Neurosci 2008;1(1):55–62.
Salles JF, Fonseca RP, Cruz-Rodrigues C, Mello CB, Barbosa T, Miranda MC. Desenvolvimento do Instrumento de Avaliação Neuropsicológica Breve Infantil NEUPSILIN-INF. Psico-USF 2011;16(3):297–305.
Pendry P, Carr AM, Smith AN, Roeter SM. Improving adolescent social competence and bahavior: a randomized trial of an 11-week equine facilited learning prevention program. J Prim Prev 2014;35(4):281–293.
Hauge H, Kvalem IL, Berget B, Enders-Slegers MJ, Braastad BO. Equine-assisted activities and the impact on perceived social support, self-esteem and self-efficacy among adolescents- an intervention study. Int J Adolesc Youth 2014;19(1):1–21.
Hjemdal O, Aune T, Reinfjell T, Stiles TC, Friborg O. Resilience as a predictor of depressive symptoms: A correlational study with young adolescents. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2007;12(1):91–104.
Rudasill KM, Callahan CM. Psychometric characteristics of the Harter self-perception profiles for adolescents and children for use with gifted populations. Gift Child Q 2008;52(1):70–86.
Traeen B, Wang CE. Perceived gender attribution, self-esteem, and general selfefficacy in female horseback riders. J Equine Vet Sci 2006;26(10):439–444.
Martins-Reis VO, Pedroso DAA, Almeida LM, Pereira ES, Alves LM, Celeste LC. A fluência e compreensão leitora como indicador de desempenho no 3o ano do Ensino Fundamental. CoDAS 2023;35(6):e20210251.
Seabra AG, Dias NM. Reconhecimento de palavras e compreensão de leitura : dissociação e habilidades linguístico-mnemônicas preditoras. Revista Neuropsicologia Latinoamericana 2012;4(1):43–56.
Song S, Su M, Kang C, Liu H, Zhang Y, McBride-Chang C. Tracing children’s vocabulary development from preschool through the school-age years: an 8-year longitudinal study. Dev Sci 2015;18(1):119–131.
Dias NM, Bueno JOS, Pontes JM, Mecca TP. Linguagem oral e escrita na Educação Infantil: relação com variáveis ambientais. Psicol Esc Educ 2019;23:e178467.
Prestes DB, Weiss S, Araujo JCO. A equoterapia no desenvolvimento motor e autopercepção de escolares com dificuldade de aprendizagem. Ciências & Cognição 2010;15(3):192–203.
Arrigo IV. Avaliação da conectividade efetiva cerebral da fluência verbal semântica de ressonância magnética. Ribeirão Preto: Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; 2020. [dissertação].
Barbosa GO, van Munster MA. O efeito de um programa de equoterapia no desenvolvimento psicomotor de crianças com indicativos de transtorno de deficit de atenção e hiperatividade. Rev Bras Educ Espec 2014;20(1):69–84.
Oh Y, Joung Y-S, Jang B, Yoo JH, Song J, Kim J. Efficacy of hippotherapy versus pharmacotherapy in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med 2018;24(5):463–471.
Trotter KS, Chandler CK, Goodwin-Bond D, Casey J. A comparative study of the efficacy of group equine assisted counseling with at-risk children and adolescents. J Creativity Ment Health 2008;3(3):1–42.
Elias LCS, Amaral MV. Habilidades Sociais, Comportamentos e Desempenho Acadêmico em escolares antes e após intervenção. Psico-USF 2016;21(1):49–61.
Pendry P, Smith NA, Roeter SM. Randomized trial examines effects of equine facilitated learning on adolescent’s basal cortisol levels. Hum Anim Interact Bull 2014;2(1):80–95.
Miranda VSG, Marcolino MAZ, Rech RS, Barbosa LR, Fischer GB. Fonoaudiologia baseada em evidências: o papel das revisões sistemáticas. CoDAS 2019;31(2):e20180167.
Silva JRA, Lima FG, Silva CS, Ribeiro ACS. Effects of equotherapy on balance, spasticity and body symmetry of children with cerebral palsy: systematic review. Arch Health Sci 2022;29(1):31–35.
Lopes J, Camilo AO, Nascimento DK, Mattos GP, Stockler GA, Mazur TB. Effectiveness of hippotherapy in autism spectrum disorder approach: a systematic review of clinical trials. Braz J Health Rev 2021;4(6):27627–27641.