New Research... Again

As you know the main point of me starting this project thus starting my program, is the effects that horses have on kids with special needs. I learned for an article by State Farm that therapeutic riding can enhance communication, behavior, focal, strength, balance, and motor skills. It aids communication because the children have to communicate with both their instructor and their horse. Behavioral and focal benefits come from the immersive environment and creating various focal points such as obstacles and direction. It enhances strength and balance because horseback riding works to exercise various muscles and groups of muscles and can also build core strength. Finally it can work your motor skills because there is necessary coordination and movement. The University of Colorado ran a study showing the improvements made on children on the Autism Spectrum ranging from ages 6-16 through two different measures. The first measure is showing the kids behavior, mood, etc while on the waiting list for the therapy and the second measure is the same factors but after 10 weeks of therapy. The results showed that every aspect was significantly higher after the therapy as opposed to before. This just proves that the EAT is in fact effective but also how it is effective. Check back soon for more research on this study.