What populations benefit most from therapeutic riding and what conditions does it serve?

Therapeutic riding serves an extraordinarily broad range of populations, and the diversity of conditions that programs work with reflects both the versatility of the horse as a therapeutic tool and the breadth of the equine-assisted activities field's development. The populations most commonly served include individuals with physical disabilities, cognitive and developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges, and acquired conditions that affect function and quality of life. Physical conditions commonly served include cerebral palsy, where the horse's movement provides normalized gait input and the postural demands of riding develop core strength and balance; multiple sclerosis, where riding provides exercise and sensory stimulation that maintains function; spinal cord injuries, where the horse's movement provides sensory input and exercise for individuals who may have limited conventional exercise options; and traumatic brain injury, where riding provides cognitive, balance, and coordination challenges in an engaging context. Developmental and cognitive conditions including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Down syndrome are commonly served by programs that use the unique motivational and sensory properties of horses to engage participants in therapeutic activities. Mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and various trauma responses are increasingly served by equine-assisted activities programs. Veterans with combat-related PTSD have been a growing population in equine-assisted therapy programs, with programs specifically designed to address the particular needs of this group.