Study Finds Horseback Riding Improves Behavior For Children With Autism

Riding horses or even just spending time around them can make a big difference for kids with autism, helping to reduce hyperactivity and boost social skills, new research suggests.

In a study of 236 children with autism and co-occurring psychiatric conditions, researchers found that participating in either a therapeutic riding program or doing barn activities brought about meaningful benefits.

Some kids who participated in the study were assigned to receive therapeutic horseback riding once a week for 10 weeks while others took part in a barn activity group where they saw horses, but did not interact with them.

A third group had a waiting period before participating in the barn activity for five weeks followed by five weeks of riding lessons. All of the children were between the ages of 6 and 16.

Both the riding program and the barn activity led to significant drops in irritability and hyperactivity, according to findings published this month in the journal Pediatrics. There were also improvements in emotional regulation and social behaviors.

However, the greatest impact on hyperactivity was observed among children in the riding group, the researchers found.

“There is something about riding a horse that is particularly helpful for kids with hyperactivity,” said Robin Gabriels, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado who led the study.

While horseback riding is not necessarily right for every child with autism, the researchers said their findings suggest it is a good way to supplement existing treatments.

“Working with horses gives these kids a chance to do something active, social and engaging,” Gabriels said. “For some children, that may be a particularly effective way to help them develop skills that can be difficult to teach in a traditional clinical environment.”