Effects of a therapeutic riding program on at-risk and special education children.
Abstract: To determine the effects of a therapeutic riding program on psychosocial measurements among children considered at risk for poor performance or failure in school or life and among children in special education programs. Methods: Observational study. Methods: 17 at-risk children (6 boys and 11 girls) and 14 special education children (7 boys and 7 girls). Methods: For the at-risk children, anger, anxiety, perceived self-competence, and physical coordination were assessed. For the special education children, anger and cheerfulness were measured, and the children's and their mothers' perceptions of the children's behavior were assessed. Measurements were made before and after an 8-session therapeutic riding program. Results: For boys enrolled in the special education program, anger was significantly decreased after completion of the riding program. The boys' mothers also perceived significant improvements in their children's behavior after completion of the program. Conclusions: Results suggest that an 8-session therapeutic riding program can significantly decrease anger in adolescent boys in a special education program and positively affect their mothers' perception of the boys' behavior.
Publication Date: 2006-01-24 PubMed ID: 16426165DOI: 10.2460/javma.228.1.46Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research studied the impact of an eight-session therapeutic horse riding programme on children who are at risk and in special education by measuring their emotional well-being and physical competency. Findings suggest that this therapy significantly reduces anger and improves behaviour in adolescent boys in special education as perceived by their mothers.
Research Design and Methodology
- The researchers conducted an observational type of study to understand the effects of a therapeutic riding program on the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of at-risk and special education children.
- The group consisted of 17 at-risk children (six boys and 11 girls) and 14 special education children (seven boys and seven girls).
- At-risk children were assessed on aspects including anger, anxiety, perceived self-competence and physical coordination, while for the special education children, measurements for anger and cheerfulness, and the mothers’ perceptions of the children’s behavior, were taken into account.
- All measurements were made both before and after the children took part in an eight-session therapeutic riding program.
Results of the Research
- The therapeutic riding program had notable effects, particularly significant among adolescent boys in the special education program, where a marked decrease in their anger levels was observed after completing the program.
- Furthermore, the mothers of the boys who took part in the program also reported perceiving remarkable improvements in their children’s behavior.
Conclusion of the Study
- The study’s findings suggest that an eight-session therapeutic horse riding program can have positive effects on at-risk and special education children.
- It shows promise in being able to significantly reduce feelings of anger in adolescent boys who are enrolled in a special education program.
- The program also appears to create changes in children’s behavior that are noticeable and positive in the eyes of their mothers.
Cite This Article
APA
Kaiser L, Smith KA, Heleski CR, Spence LJ.
(2006).
Effects of a therapeutic riding program on at-risk and special education children.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 228(1), 46-52.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.228.1.46 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Human-Animal Bond Initiative, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Anger
- Animals
- Child
- Child Behavior
- Disabled Persons / psychology
- Disabled Persons / rehabilitation
- Female
- Horses
- Human-Animal Bond
- Humans
- Mainstreaming, Education
- Male
- Mothers / psychology
- Occupational Therapy / methods
- Psychology, Child
- Recreation
- Self Efficacy
- Sports / psychology
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Berleze A, Valentini NC. Intervention for Children with Obesity and Overweight and Motor Delays from Low-Income Families: Fostering Engagement, Motor Development, Self-Perceptions, and Playtime.. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 Feb 22;19(5).
- Gitimoghaddam M, Vanderloo LM, Hung R, Ryce A, McKellin W, Miller A, Collet JP. Impacts of Participation in Community-Based Physical Activity Programs on Cognitive Functions of Children and Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review.. Brain Sci 2021 Feb 5;11(2).
- Carlsson C. Triads in Equine-Assisted Social Work Enhance Therapeutic Relationships with Self-Harming Adolescents.. Clin Soc Work J 2017;45(4):320-331.
- 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 Mar;19(1):1-21.
- Holm MB, Baird JM, Kim YJ, Rajora KB, D'Silva D, Podolinsky L, Mazefsky C, Minshew N. Therapeutic horseback riding outcomes of parent-identified goals for children with autism spectrum disorder: an ABA' multiple case design examining dosing and generalization to the home and community.. J Autism Dev Disord 2014 Apr;44(4):937-47.
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