Therapeutic horseback riding. Exploring this alternative therapy for women with disabilities.
Abstract: The horse has been used as a therapeutic agent since the time of the ancient Greeks, and Hippocrates once spoke of “riding's healing rhythm” Early Greeks were reported to offer horseback rides to raise the spirits of people who had incurable illnesses. Therapeutic riding refers to the use of the horse and equine‐oriented activities to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals, including physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational goals. An important area of concern for women with disabilities is achieving the highest level of wellness possible. Because of their holistic approach to patient care, women's health nurses need to be aware of the positive effects on health and social development that therapeutic horseback riding can bring to the treatment and rehabilitation process.
Publication Date: 2004-03-23 PubMed ID: 15031888DOI: 10.1177/1091592304263956Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article explores therapeutic horseback riding as an alternative form of therapy that has physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and behavioral benefits for women with disabilities.
Introduction to Therapeutic Horseback Riding
- The concept of using horses as a therapeutic medium dates back to ancient Greece when horseback rides were offered to uplift the spirits of individuals with incurable illnesses.
- The researchers define therapeutic riding as the use of horses and equine-related activities to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals.
Purpose of the Study
- The study focuses on women with disabilities. It postulates that achieving the highest possible level of wellness is an important concern for these women.
- This research aims to explore how therapeutic horseback riding may aid in achieving this wellness, touching on the multiple areas of impact this therapy can have.
Role of Women’s Health Nurses
- Women’s health nurses are highlighted as key players in this context due to their holistic approach to patient care.
- The authors suggest that these healthcare professionals should be well informed about the potential benefits of therapeutic horseback riding. Such knowledge can help them integrate this form of therapy into the treatment and rehabilitation processes of their patients.
Therapeutic Goals
- Therapeutic horseback riding can target diverse therapeutic goals, which include physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral, and educational facets.
- This range of goals emphasizes the holistic impact of horseback riding therapy, extending its benefits beyond physical well-being to encompass mental and social wellness too.
Cite This Article
APA
Lessick M, Shinaver R, Post KM, Rivera JE, Lemon B.
(2004).
Therapeutic horseback riding. Exploring this alternative therapy for women with disabilities.
AWHONN Lifelines, 8(1), 46-53.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1091592304263956 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Health & Human Services, University of Toledo, in Toledo, OH, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Disabled Persons / psychology
- Disabled Persons / rehabilitation
- Female
- Horses
- Humans
- Patient Care Team / organization & administration
- Physical Therapy Modalities / instrumentation
- Physical Therapy Modalities / methods
- Physical Therapy Modalities / nursing
- Self Concept
- Self Efficacy
- Sports
- Treatment Outcome
- Women's Health
Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Weiss-Dagan S, Naim-Levi N, Brafman D. Therapeutic horseback riding for at-risk adolescents in residential care. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022 Nov 23;16(1):90.
- Trevathan-Minnis M, Johnson A, Howie AR. Recommendations for Transdisciplinary Professional Competencies and Ethics for Animal-Assisted Therapies and Interventions. Vet Sci 2021 Dec 2;8(12).
- Zhao M, Chen S, You Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y. Effects of a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program on Social Interaction and Communication in Children with Autism. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021 Mar 6;18(5).
- Pálsdóttir AM, Gudmundsson M, Grahn P. Equine-Assisted Intervention to Improve Perceived Value of Everyday Occupations and Quality of Life in People with Lifelong Neurological Disorders: A Prospective Controlled Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 Apr 3;17(7).
- Scopa C, Contalbrigo L, Greco A, Lanatà A, Scilingo EP, Baragli P. Emotional Transfer in Human-Horse Interaction: New Perspectives on Equine Assisted Interventions. Animals (Basel) 2019 Nov 26;9(12).
- Boyd L, le Roux M. 'When he's up there he's just happy and content': Parents' perceptions of therapeutic horseback riding. Afr J Disabil 2017;6:307.
- Nqwena Z, Naidoo R. The effect of therapeutic horseback riding on heart rate variability of children with disabilities. Afr J Disabil 2016;5(1):248.
- Lee DK, Kim EK. The influence of horseback riding training on the physical function and psychological problems of stroke patients. J Phys Ther Sci 2015 Sep;27(9):2739-41.
- Hosaka Y, Nagasaki M, Bajotto G, Shinomiya Y, Ozawa T, Sato Y. Effects of daily mechanical horseback riding on insulin sensitivity and resting metabolism in middle-aged type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Nagoya J Med Sci 2010 Aug;72(3-4):129-37.
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