From disability to advantage: Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological developmental disorder characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactive-impulsiveness, or a combination of both. This disorder can significantly impact a child's academic and social life, posing considerable stress on the child, parents, and siblings. Early treatment of children with ADHD can help mitigate symptoms of this disorder. In this chapter, I will explore three areas that are related to ADHD: executive functions, sensory processing, and sensory regulation. Common treatments for children with ADHD include medication, parental guidance, and behavioral therapy. While these leading treatments have proven effective in managing symptoms, they often do not address the challenges in executive function, which is crucial for the child's emotional, behavioral, and social functioning. Recently, equine-assisted therapy (EAT) has emerged as an effective complementary therapy to the standard treatments. Riding a horse integrates executive functions and sensory processing, aiding in the management of ADHD symptoms. Moreover, equine-assisted therapy exposes children to sensory stimuli and requires gross motor skills coupled with action planning. This chapter will focus on how equine-assisted therapy can be utilized to enhance executive functions and sensory modulation in children with ADHD.