Children with disabilities find joy and support through horse therapy

At the Therapeutic Riding Center in Taoyuan, Taiwan, children with cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD and other conditions attend weekly horse-assisted sessions that families and staff report bring comfort and opportunities for social and physical engagement.

At the Therapeutic Riding Center in Taoyuan, Taiwan, children and young adults with a range of developmental and physical conditions take part in regular equine-assisted sessions. Families bring participants for weekly rides and interaction with horses. Staff describe the sessions as offering companionship, therapeutic movement and a chance to practice social skills. The centre is one example of growing global interest in animal-assisted therapy. Program details: - Sessions are held at the Therapeutic Riding Center in Taoyuan and are attended by children with cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD and other conditions. - Families and staff, including parents Hector Chen and Abigail Liu, report improvements such as increased willingness to try new activities and reduced fear in some participants. - Horses are specially trained to stay calm around children and to adapt to riders’ movements, according to a horse therapist, Chan Shu-ya. - Coaches and staff note that many participants seek tactile interaction, such as petting or hugging the horses, and that horses will often stand still to allow this. - Organizers say many students look forward to coming each week, in good weather and bad. Summary: Staff and families report that the centre’s sessions support social interaction and physical engagement for participating children, and are a regular weekly activity for many. Undetermined at this time.