Development of a Structured Horseback Riding Therapeutic Program for Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

This research concentrates on the development of a therapeutic horseback riding program for young adults with Cerebral Palsy enrolled in the non-profit program, Always Wanted a Riding Experience (A.W.A.R.E) in San Marcos, Texas. This project involves a 21- year-old female with severe spastic quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. The structured program will target the physiological benefits for her body as well as incorporate social and cognitive goals using behavioral and learning models. These models will help analyze the patient’s self-perception in her group and individual therapy. The main component explored in this research targets hippotherapy effects in building trunk and postural stability. This project explores how therapeutic horse riding sessions can relate to her specific goals in her future career. In return, this work will add for potential modifications to future cerebral palsy clients’ programs offered at A.W.A.R.E. and make contributions to the use of hippotherapy treatment and therapeutic horseback riding for the Cerebral Palsy population.