FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland)2026; 16(1); 84; doi: 10.3390/bs16010084

Perceived Benefits and Barriers for Autistic Adults Accessing Therapeutic Horse Riding for Mental Health.

Abstract: Therapeutic horse riding (THR) is a non-traditional intervention that may support mental well-being in individuals with autism spectrum conditions. Despite growing interest, most research has focused on children and has tended to privilege practitioner or caregiver perspectives, leaving autistic adults underrepresented. This qualitative study explores the psychological benefits and systemic barriers associated with THR among Autistic adults, drawing on perspectives from both clients and practitioners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Autistic clients and four practitioners, and the data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five overarching themes were constructed: Facing the Puissance: barriers to accessing THR, Pathways to Participation, Embodied Engagement, To Understand and To Be Understood, and Beyond the Arena-Impacts That Last. Participants described enjoyment, increased confidence, and a sense of achievement, with effects accumulating over time and often extending beyond the riding arena into daily life. Barriers included cost, accessibility, and limited availability of appropriately trained staff and facilities. These findings add to the limited evidence base on THR for Autistic adults by providing an in-depth, contextually grounded account of participants' experiences. They suggest that, for verbally fluent Autistic adults who choose to access THR in similar settings, THR can enhance well-being, self-agency, and relationship-building, whilst also revealing structural obstacles that restrict equitable access.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2026-01-07 PubMed ID: 41595025PubMed Central: PMC12837896DOI: 10.3390/bs16010084Google Scholar: Lookup
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.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

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.

Therapeutic horse riding (THR) can provide mental health benefits such as increased confidence and a sense of achievement for autistic adults, but access is often limited by barriers like cost and availability of trained staff. This study explores both the benefits and challenges of THR through interviews with autistic adults and practitioners.

Research Purpose and Context

  • Investigate the psychological benefits and systemic barriers related to therapeutic horse riding (THR) for autistic adults.
  • Fill a gap in existing research which has primarily focused on children and caregiver/practitioner perspectives.
  • Include voices of verbally fluent autistic adults to provide a more direct account of their experiences.

Methodology

  • Qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews.
  • Participants included six autistic adults (clients) and four THR practitioners.
  • Data analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis, a method that iteratively generates themes based on participants’ narratives.

Key Themes Identified

  • Facing the Puissance: Barriers to Accessing THR
    • Challenges such as the high cost of programs and sessions.
    • Physical and logistical accessibility issues for venues and horses.
    • Limited availability of staff trained specifically to work with autistic adults.
  • Pathways to Participation
    • How autistic adults find and engage with THR, including referral processes and personal motivation.
    • Factors influencing the decision to participate and sustained involvement over time.
  • Embodied Engagement
    • The experience of riding is not just physical but deeply sensory and emotional.
    • Connection with the horse allows for unique forms of communication and presence.
  • To Understand and To Be Understood
    • THR facilitates mutual understanding between autistic adults and practitioners through nonverbal and empathetic interactions.
    • Supports development of social and emotional skills in a non-judgmental environment.
  • Beyond the Arena – Impacts That Last
    • Observed benefits extend beyond riding sessions into daily life, such as improved self-confidence and emotional regulation.
    • Participants reported a lasting positive effect on well-being and a sense of personal agency.

Implications and Conclusions

  • THR offers meaningful mental health benefits to verbally fluent autistic adults who choose to participate.
  • The therapy promotes well-being, self-agency, and relationship building both during and beyond the riding sessions.
  • Structural barriers such as cost, accessibility, and limited trained personnel restrict widespread equitable access to THR.
  • Findings highlight the need for expanded resources and tailored approaches to make THR more inclusive for autistic adults.
  • The study contributes important first-hand perspectives, enriching the currently limited research on THR in adult autism populations.

Cite This Article

APA
Brumpton HL, Kargas N. (2026). Perceived Benefits and Barriers for Autistic Adults Accessing Therapeutic Horse Riding for Mental Health. Behav Sci (Basel), 16(1), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16010084

Publication

Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2076-328X
NlmUniqueID: 101576826
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
PII: 84

Researcher Affiliations

Brumpton, Hannah Louise
  • School of Psychology Sport Science & Wellbeing, College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
Kargas, Niko
  • School of Psychology Sport Science & Wellbeing, College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
  • Department of Cognitive Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates.

Conflict of Interest Statement

H.L.B. has a professional relationship at the centre where participants were recruited from.

References

This article includes 59 references
  1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). .
  2. Anastasya K. S., Syamsuddin I. G., Faradilla M. A., Aminurrohman A., Imawan I. A.. Mechanisms and benefits of equine therapy for enhancing mental health. Research & Development 2024;5(1):40–43.
    doi: 10.11648/j.rd.20240501.16google scholar: lookup
  3. Athena. APR members map | ATHENA® Herd Foundation. Athena Herd Foundation; 2025.
  4. Bachi K.. Equine-facilitated psychotherapy: The gap between practice and knowledge. Society & Animals 2012;20(4):364–380.
    doi: 10.1163/15685306-12341242google scholar: lookup
  5. Bandura A.. Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Advances in Behaviour Research and Therapy 1977;1(4):139–161.
    doi: 10.1016/0146-6402(78)90002-4pubmed: 847061google scholar: lookup
  6. Bizub A. L., Joy A., Davidson L.. “It’s like being in another world”: Demonstrating the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with psychiatric disability. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal 2003;26(4):377–384.
    doi: 10.2975/26.2003.377.384pubmed: 12739908google scholar: lookup
  7. Botha M., Cage E.. “Autism research is in crisis”: A mixed method study of researchers’ constructions of autistic people and autism research [Original research]. Frontiers in Psychology 2022;13:1050897.
    doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1050897pmc: PMC9730396pubmed: 36506950google scholar: lookup
  8. Braun V., Clarke V.. Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. Sage; 2013.
  9. Braun V., Clarke V.. Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health 2019;11(4):589–597.
    doi: 10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806google scholar: lookup
  10. Browne J. M., Reega S. J., Rankins E. M., Schmid A. A., Peters B. C.. The acceptability of occupational therapy using zones of RegulationTM concepts in an equine environment to autistic children. Behavioral Sciences 2025;15(4):495.
    doi: 10.3390/bs15040495pmc: PMC12024242pubmed: 40282116google scholar: lookup
  11. Buescher A. V., Cidav Z., Knapp M., Mandell D. S.. Costs of autism spectrum disorders in the United Kingdom and the United States. JAMA Pediatrics 2014;168(8):721–728.
    doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.210pubmed: 24911948google scholar: lookup
  12. Burgon H. L.. ‘Queen of the world’: Experiences of ‘at-risk’ young people participating in equine-assisted learning/therapy. Journal of Social Work Practice 2011;25(2):165–183.
    doi: 10.1080/02650533.2011.561304google scholar: lookup
  13. Cantin A., Marshall-Lucette S.. Examining the literature on the efficacy of equine assisted therapy for people with mental health and behavioural disorders. Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Research and Practice 2011;8(1):51–61.
    doi: 10.5920/mhldrp.2011.8151google scholar: lookup
  14. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; Mar 28, 2022.
  15. Cleary M., West S., Thapa D. K., Hungerford C., McLean L., Johnston-Devin C., Kornhaber R.. A scoping review of equine-assisted therapies on the mental health and well-being of autistic children and adolescents: Exploring the possibilities. Issues in Mental Health Nursing 2024;45(9):948–960.
    doi: 10.1080/01612840.2024.2364236pubmed: 39042874google scholar: lookup
  16. Corden K, Brewer R, Cage E. Personal identity after an autism diagnosis: Relationships with self-esteem, mental wellbeing, and diagnostic timing. Frontiers in Psychology 2021;12:699335.
    doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.699335pmc: PMC8360844pubmed: 34393933google scholar: lookup
  17. Darazsdi Z, Bialka CS. “Oh, you couldn’t be autistic”: Examining anti-autistic bias and self-esteem in the therapeutic alliance. Autism 2023;27(7):2124–2134.
    doi: 10.1177/13623613231154622pubmed: 36803046google scholar: lookup
  18. Farkas TN, Kargas N, Mendy J. Emerging programs for autism spectrum disorder. Academic Press; 2021. Autism and employment: Challenges and strategies for a bright future; pp. 285–302.
  19. Fletcher-Watson S. What’s in a name? The costs and benefits of a formal autism diagnosis. Autism 2024;28(2):257–262.
    doi: 10.1177/13623613231213300pubmed: 37997793google scholar: lookup
  20. Fuchs T, Koch SC. Embodied affectivity: On moving and being moved. Frontiers in psychology 2014;5:508.
    doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00508pmc: PMC4047516pubmed: 24936191google scholar: lookup
  21. Gabriels RL, Pan Z, Dechant B, Agnew JA, Brim N, Mesibov G. Randomized controlled trial of therapeutic horseback riding in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2015;54(7):541–549.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2015.04.007pmc: PMC4475278pubmed: 26088658google scholar: lookup
  22. Garcia D. Intelligent horses: A cybersemiotic perspective. 2013.
  23. Harmuth E, Silletta E, Bailey A, Adams T, Beck C, Barbic SP. Barriers and facilitators to employment for adults with autism: A scoping review. Annals of International Occupational Therapy 2018;1(1):31–40.
    doi: 10.3928/24761222-20180212-01google scholar: lookup
  24. Hatcher J, Cavinder C, Heaton C, Figueiredo L, Holtcamp A, Dinh T. Psychological and physical benefits of interactions with horses. Journal of Extension 2019;57(3):11.
    doi: 10.34068/joe.57.03.11google scholar: lookup
  25. HETI Member directory | HETI federation. Hetifederation.org. 2025. [(accessed on 28 October 2025)]. Available online: https://hetifederation.org/member-directory/
  26. Holt A, Bounekhla K, Welch C, Polatajko H. “Unheard minds, again and again”: Autistic insider perspectives and theory of mind. Disability and Rehabilitation 2022;44(20):5887–5897.
    doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1949052pubmed: 34256672google scholar: lookup
  27. Howlin P, Magiati I. Autism spectrum disorder. Current Opinion in Psychiatry 2017;30(2):69–76.
    doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000308pubmed: 28067726google scholar: lookup
  28. Jones F, Hamilton J, Kargas N. Accessibility and affirmation in counselling: An exploration into neurodivergent clients’ experiences. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research 2025;25(1):e12742.
    doi: 10.1002/capr.12742google scholar: lookup
  29. Kallio H, Pietilä A-M, Johnson M, Kangasniemi M. Systematic methodological review: Developing a framework for a qualitative semi-structured interview guide. Journal of Advanced Nursing 2016;72(12):2954–2965.
    doi: 10.1111/jan.13031pubmed: 27221824google scholar: lookup
  30. Kargas N, Mason R, Smith L, Rogers J, Hogue T. Independent review of services for adults with a learning disability and autistic adults in Midlands prisons: Report of findings for NHS England. 2023.
  31. Karol J. Applying a traditional individual psychotherapy model to equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP): Theory and method. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 2007;12(1):77–90.
    doi: 10.1177/1359104507071057pubmed: 17375810google scholar: lookup
  32. Kendall E, Maujean A, Pepping CA, Wright JJ. Hypotheses about the psychological benefits of horses. Explore 2014;10(2):81–87.
    doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2013.12.001pubmed: 24607074google scholar: lookup
  33. Kerulo G, Kargas N, Mills DS, Law G, VanFleet R, Faa-Thompson T, Winkle MY. Animal-assisted interventions: Relationship between standards and qualifications. People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice 2020;3(1):4.
    doi: 10.62845/if7vn9ggoogle scholar: lookup
  34. Langdon PE, Apanasionok MM, Scripps E, Barrowcliff A, Biswas A, Bunning K, Burbidge C, Byron-Daniel K, Cookson A, Croom S, Filipczuk M, Gillespie D, Hastings RP, Jahoda A, McNamara R, Patterson L, Rai D, Steward R, Gray KM. Behavioural interventions to treat anxiety in adults with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities: The BEAMS-ID feasibility study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 2024;37(5).
    doi: 10.1111/jar.13282pubmed: 39074852google scholar: lookup
  35. Lentini JA, Knox M. A qualitative and quantitative review of equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) with children and adolescents. The Open Complementary Medicine Journal 2009;1(1):51–57.
    doi: 10.2174/1876391X00901010051google scholar: lookup
  36. Lord C, Elsabbagh M, Baird G, Veenstra-Vanderweele J. Autism spectrum disorder. The Lancet 2018;392(10146):508–520.
    doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31129-2pmc: PMC7398158pubmed: 30078460google scholar: lookup
  37. Malcolm R, Ecks S, Pickersgill M. ‘It just opens up their world’: Autism, empathy, and the therapeutic effects of equine interactions. Anthropology & Medicine 2018;25(2):220–234.
    doi: 10.1080/13648470.2017.1291115pmc: PMC6199690pubmed: 28513182google scholar: lookup
  38. McCrea CE, Tibbets G, Smith LW, Campbell CG. At-risk youth receive similar benefits from equine- assisted psychotherapy and traditional psychotherapy; an applied analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2025;16.
    doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1518783pmc: PMC12069370pubmed: 40364999google scholar: lookup
  39. McCulloch MJ. Animal-facilitated therapy: Overview and future direction. In: Katcher AH, Beck AM, editors. New perspectives on our lives with companion animals. University of Pennsylvania Press; 1983. pp. 410–426.
  40. McDaniel Peters BC, Wood W. Autism and equine-assisted interventions: A systematic mapping review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 2017;47(10):3220–3242.
    doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3219-9pubmed: 28733851google scholar: lookup
  41. Milton D, Sims T. How is a sense of well-being and belonging constructed in the accounts of autistic adults?. Disability & Society 2016;31(4):520–534.
    doi: 10.1080/09687599.2016.1186529google scholar: lookup
  42. Moore L, Larkin F, Foley S. Mental health professionals’ experiences of adapting mental health interventions for autistic adults: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 2024;54(7):2484–2501.
    doi: 10.1007/s10803-023-06006-6pmc: PMC11286644pubmed: 37179522google scholar: lookup
  43. Morrison ML. Health benefits of animal-assisted interventions. Complementary Health Practice Review 2007;12(1):51–62.
    doi: 10.1177/1533210107302397google scholar: lookup
  44. National Autistic Society What is autism. Autism.org.uk. 2024. [(accessed on 28 October 2025)]. Available online: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism#How%20many%20autistic%20people%20are%20there?
  45. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence . Evidence-based recommendations for the health and social care sector. NICE; 2025. [(accessed on 28 October 2025)]. Available online: https://www.nice.org.uk/
  46. Nguyen W, Ownsworth T, Nicol C, Zimmerman D. How I see and feel about myself: Domain-specific self-concept and self-esteem in autistic adults. Frontiers in Psychology 2020;11:913.
    doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00913pmc: PMC7235351pubmed: 32477221google scholar: lookup
  47. Pellicano E, Fatima U, Hall G, Heyworth M, Lawson W, Lilley R, Mahony J, Stears M. A capabilities approach to understanding and supporting autistic adulthood. Nature Reviews Psychology 2022;1(11):624–639.
    doi: 10.1038/s44159-022-00099-zpmc: PMC9443657pubmed: 36090460google scholar: lookup
  48. Rogge N, Janssen J. The economic costs of autism spectrum disorder: A literature review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 2019;49(7):2873–2900.
    doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04014-zpubmed: 30976961google scholar: lookup
  49. Saunders P. Neurodivergent rhetorics: Examining competing discourses of autism advocacy in the public sphere. Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies 2018;12(1):1–17.
    doi: 10.3828/jlcds.2018.1google scholar: lookup
  50. Seery R, Wells D. An exploratory study into the backgrounds and perspectives of equine-assisted service practitioners. Animals 2024;14(2):347.
    doi: 10.3390/ani14020347pmc: PMC10812823pubmed: 38275806google scholar: lookup
  51. Seltzer MM, Krauss MW, Shattuck PT, Orsmond G, Swe A, Lord C. The symptoms of autism spectrum disorders in adolescence and adulthood. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 2003;33(6):565–581.
    doi: 10.1023/B:JADD.0000005995.02453.0bpubmed: 14714927google scholar: lookup
  52. Silberman S. Neurotribes: The legacy of autism and the future of neurodiversity. Psychiatry 2017;30(2):120–123.
  53. UK Parliament Inequalities in healthcare and employment for people with a learning disability and autistic people—Women and equalities committee. Parliament.uk. 2023. [(accessed on 28 October 2025)]. Available online: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5804/cmselect/cmwomeq/134/report.html.
  54. Ward J, Hovey A, Brownlee K. Mental health benefits of mounted equine-assisted therapies: A scoping review. Health & Social Care in the Community 2022;30(6):e4920–e4935.
    pubmed: 35811394
  55. Warner K, Keville S, Hockley J, Ludlow A. Experiences of equine assisted therapy for females with autism spectrum disorders. Advances in Autism 2022;9(2):150–164.
    doi: 10.1108/AIA-10-2021-0040google scholar: lookup
  56. Wood W, Alm K, Benjamin J, Thomas L, Anderson D, Pohl L, Kane M. Optimal terminology for services in the United States that incorporate horses to benefit people: A consensus document. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2021;27(1):88–95.
    doi: 10.1089/acm.2020.0415pubmed: 33252244google scholar: lookup
  57. World Health Organization ICD-11: International classification of diseases (11th revision) 2022. [(accessed on 28 October 2025)]. Available online: https://icd.who.int/
  58. Xiao N, Shinwari K, Kiselev S, Huang X, Li B, Qi J. Effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2023;20(3):2630.
    doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032630pmc: PMC9915993pubmed: 36767996google scholar: lookup
  59. Zhao Y, Luo Y, Zhang R, Zheng X. Direct and indirect costs for families of children with autism spectrum disorder in China. Autism 2023;27(8):2337–2347.
    doi: 10.1177/13623613231158862pubmed: 36880445google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,928 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.