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A girl by the barn with a horse in the background.

Benefits of Therapies
Incorporating Equines

history

What are TIEs?

While the therapeutic benefits of horses have been recognized since ancient times, the formal development of therapies incorporating equines (TIEs) began in the 20th century. Early programs in Europe focused on hippotherapy, using horseback riding to improve motor skills and balance for individuals with physical disabilities. By the 1990s, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) emerged, utilizing the horse-human interaction to address mental health concerns.

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Today, therapies incorporating equines encompass a diverse range of programs, including those designed for physical therapy, speech and language development, and mental health, offering a holistic and engaging approach to healing and growth for individuals of all ages and abilities.

A woman smiling at at horse in front of the arena.
A teenaged female client smiles in front of the arena.
benefits

What can TIEs do for you?

Therapies incorporating equines offer diverse physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits for children and adults:

  • Physical - improves balance, posture, muscle strength, and sensory integration, particularly benefiting those with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and multiple sclerosis (Sterba, 2007; Kearney et al., 2018).
     

  • Cognitive - enhances attention span, memory, problem-solving skills, and communication, aiding those with ADHD, learning disabilities, and autism (Bachi et al., 2011; Ajzenman et al., 2013).
     

  • Emotional - reduces anxiety, improves self-esteem, fosters empathy, and develops trust, benefiting individuals with anxiety disorders, trauma, and social challenges (Barker et al., 2016; Lee & Kim, 2018).

research

The Science

New research on therapies incorporating equines is being published all the time. Here are a few examples from the current scientific literature:

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  1. A Scoping Review of Equine-Assisted Therapies on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Autistic Children and Adolescents: Exploring the Possibilities (Frewin et al., 2024, Occupational Therapy in Mental Health): The authors found that equine-assisted therapies can improve mental health and well-being in autistic children and adolescents, with reported benefits including reduced anxiety, improved social skills, and increased self-esteem. They also noted that the benefits extended beyond the child participating in EAT, with positive impacts observed in family dynamics and relationships.
     

  2. Effects of Equine-Assisted Therapy on Recovery after Stroke – A Systematic Review (Bertalan et al., 2023, medRxiv): This systematic review examined the effects of EAT on stroke recovery, including physical function, balance, and gait. The findings suggest that EAT can be a promising intervention for improving physical outcomes after stroke.
     

  3. Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Zhang et al., 2023, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health): Review of the current research supports that EAAT led to notable improvements in social cognition and communication skills, including nonverbal communication and interaction, as well as positive behavioral changes including reductions in irritability and hyperactivity.

A young red-headed client hugs the head of a donkey.
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