A Pilot Study to Determine the Effectiveness of Equine Assisted Therapy in Children with Autism as Measured by Changes in Heart Rate Variability

It is known that children improve their cognitive, visual motor skills and their well being perceptions when engaging with horses on a regular basis. However, there is little quantitative data confirming this situation. Results will be presented of a longitudinal series of quantitative pilot studies of HRV in children with autism as they receive equine assisted therapeutic riding. Research has shown that children with autism have a sympathetically driven autonomic system and benefit from more therapies that lead to more parasympathetic balance. Two hypotheses were tested throughout the pilot studies. Hypothesis one had to do with measuring the changes in HRV in children and adults when engaging in therapeutic activities with horses. Preliminary findings indicate that the autonomic nervous system responds favorably when interacting with horses. Over time the children with autism showed an improvement in HRV particularly those who received treatment at least once per week. The second hypothesis measured HRV in horses to determine if providing therapy was stressful to them. HRV was measured on horses during therapeutic interventions. Initial findings indicate that HRV patterns entrain to humans at various times and the stress levels of the animals decreased further when engaging in therapeutic activities. Horses are increasingly being recognized by those who treat autism for their ability to bring comfort, help others engage in safe tactile interaction, and build confidence and trust.