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National Research Projects
1. International Therapeutic Riding Research Survey - 2010
International Research Study into the 'Effects of Therapeutic Riding' is designed to produce evidence-based research to support parents & professionals claims that equine-assisted activities/therapies (EAAT) can assist children with special needs
Therapeutic horseback riding is used as a means of physical and psychological therapy for individuals with a very wide spread of developmental, neurological and behavioural disorders. While great strides have been made over the past 15 years, there is little evidence-based research in the field that supports therapeutic riding as a viable alternative therapy.
Samantha Case is a graduate university student in USA and the granddaughter of Mary & Lyttleton Gould, founders of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Connecticut, one of the top riding centres in USA.
Are you an RDA parent or do you know one?
Samantha is asking for RDA parents input for her current research project to 'help determine whether or not equine-assisted activities have any links with aggression and social competence in children with special needs'. Many NAHRA Accredited Centres (USA) and RDA UK Centres have already agreed to participate. Samantha would like to include RDA Centres in Australia.
Samantha has already carried out a pilot survey with parents of participants of a therapeutic riding center in the United States in an attempt to determine whether or not equine-assisted activities had any links with aggression and social competence in children with special needs. Her results, despite the small response, were phenomenal and have prompted her to continue this line of research.
Samantha is distributing a survey for parents of children & adolescents 17 years of age and younger to complete. This survey is now accessible as an online form and she is asking parents worldwide to complete it. The survey will only take about 15mins to complete and no personally identifying information is asked for so that confidentiality is maintained.
Samantha's would like to receive 1,000+ responses from participating countries (i.e. Australia, UK and USA) and hopes that this study will produce evidence-based research to support passionate parents & professionals' claims that equine assisted activity can assist children with special needs.
The more parents who participate in this international study the more powerful the outcome. The online survey is now available online. Please click http://surveys.marist.edu/quaskformserver/tr to access online survey.
Thank you for your participation in this important research survey.
2. National Worming Research Trials
RDA has been invited to participate in a research study to investigate the presence of resistant worms in Australia, and the efficacy of a number of newly formulated drenches for horses.
Participation is voluntary and cost-free to any RDA Centres who wish to participate in this important research study. All test kits, postage and drenches will be provided free of charge. Participating centres will be notified of their results and any relevant information pertaining to the findings from the study. This could lead to gaining valuable information about what sort of worms are present on Australian properties, what they are resistant to, if anything, and perhaps the best products for future drenching plans on farms. If your RDA Centre is interested in being involved please contact us.
State Research Projects
RDAV Spearheads a Global First in Therapeutic Riding Research
The largest randomised controlled trial ever attempted on the benefits of Therapeutic Riding was recently completed in conjunction with:
- Riding for the Disabled Victoria (RDA VIC)
- Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital (RCH)
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- School of Health & Social Development at Deakin University (DU)
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To assess the impact of 'Therapeutic Riding on the Quality of Life & Functioning of Children with Cerebral Palsy' between 4–12 years
Deakin University & Royal Children's Hospital
- recruited & assessed 90+ children
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- measured outcomes of the study
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RDA VIC organised:
- suitable venues
- enough horses, coaches and volunteers to support sessions
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- 2 x 10 week programs
- $150,000 study grant from Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation
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Every aspect of the time from the child's arrival to their departure was planned to maximise the experience:
- to fit boots & helmets
- to chat to parents about their goals for their child or changes that noticed after several sessions
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- to stretch on the barrel before mounting if needed or practice walking with improved posture after the dismount
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Children demonstrated a range of physical, social & emotional changes and were:
- better able to control their horse
- off the leading rein, start, turn & stop
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- stay in rhythm at the rising trot
- stand in the stirrups for long periods of time
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This research project clearly demonstrated that:
- RDA successfully produces a safe professional program
- Children participated in a therapeutic riding program that significantly enhanced their life
"Julia is now riding her tricycle without help"
"I cannot believe the difference in Lachlan's self esteem"
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