A multiple case-study analysis of Autistic experiences with therapeutic horseback riding

The use of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) to improve the lives of Autistic individuals is a growing field, but still a treatment option that is considered complementary to evidence-based practices. One form of AAI, therapeutic horseback riding (THR), has shown promise for the Autistic community. Benefits of THR include increased social communication, decreased aberrant behaviors, and increased mood regulation, but why and how these programs work remains understudied. In this multiple-case study comparative analysis, we explore the lived experiences of three Autistic youth engaged in a THR program, focusing on how their experiences shape their lives. Using an ecological systems approach to organizing data, three themes emerge: voice, individualization, and the personal experience of difference. Through interviews, the youth shared distinct experiences with self-advocacy, individual accommodations, and feelings of marginalization. Their stories suggest that accommodation and positive regard, even in universally designed settings, play an important role in the experience of THR programs. Implications and limitations are discussed.