Evidence review in progress · Check current OAP eligibility
Direct answer
Bass, Duchowny & Llabre (2009) · Gabriels et al. (2015) · O'Haire (2013) · Verified 2026-08-20
Quick summary
In brief
THR, Quick Summary
- This page is general information, not an individualized treatment recommendation.
- Evidence labels summarize the page sources and should not replace clinical judgment.
- Confirm provider credentials, coverage, goals, monitoring, alternatives, and fees before starting.
General information only, not a diagnosis, treatment plan, crisis service, or individual estimate. Confirm your next step with the linked source or a qualified professional.
At a glance
- Evidence level
- Evidence review in progress
- OAP funding
- Coverage varies, confirm with your service coordinator
- Typical cost
- Provider fees vary by setting; request a current written quote
- Typical frequency
- Individual plan varies; confirm the schedule with a qualified clinician
- Target age range
- Age suitability varies; confirm fit with a qualified clinician
OAP Coverage Note
OAP eligibility depends on current program rules, the funded service category, and the provider's credentials. Confirm coverage with AccessOAP or your service coordinator before committing to care.
Who provides this therapy
- Provider credential check
- Ask any prospective provider which of these credentials they hold, and confirm the credential with the relevant regulatory college before starting.
- Credentials listed for this therapy
- Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
- OT
How Therapeutic Horseback Riding Works
The horse walk produces a three-dimensional pelvic movement that mimics human walking. This rhythmic sensory input provides deep proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation. For autistic individuals with sensory processing differences, this input can be organizing and regulating. The warm body temperature of the horse adds tactile input.
Riding sessions incorporate structured activities targeting specific goals. Riders may practice following multi-step instructions, turn-taking with peers, sequencing grooming tasks, or navigating obstacle courses. The horse serves as a powerful motivator — children who resist traditional therapy settings often engage eagerly with horses.
Programs typically include ground-based activities alongside mounted work. Grooming, leading, and tacking require motor planning, bilateral coordination, and following sequences. The barn environment provides natural opportunities for social interaction, emotional regulation, and sensory exploration in a non-clinical setting.
Research Evidence
Bass, Duchowny, and Llabre (2009) published a randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Participants receiving 12 weeks of therapeutic riding showed significant improvements in social motivation, sensory sensitivity, attention, and reduced distraction and sedentary behaviour compared to a waitlist control group.
Gabriels et al. (2015) conducted a larger RCT published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Results showed significant improvements in irritability, hyperactivity, social cognition, and social communication after 10 weeks. The evidence base is growing but remains classified as emerging due to small sample sizes and methodological variation.
Therapeutic Riding Programs in Ontario
Some therapeutic riding centres in Ontario may be accredited by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA), which certifies instructors and sets safety standards. Check whether a programs instructors are certified before enrolling.
Families should distinguish between therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Therapeutic riding is led by certified riding instructors. Hippotherapy is delivered by regulated professionals (occupational therapists or physiotherapists) on horseback. Discuss OAP eligibility with AccessOAP.
Evidence and sources
Bass, Duchowny & Llabre (2009)
The effect of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(9), 1261-1267.
Gabriels et al. (2015)
Randomized controlled trial of therapeutic horseback riding in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 54(7), 541-549.
O'Haire (2013)
Animal-assisted intervention for autism spectrum disorder: A systematic literature review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(7), 1606-1622.
Before you commit
- Questions worth asking any provider
- What certification or regulatory college licenses you to deliver this therapy, and can I verify it?
- How will you measure progress, and how often will you share results with our family?
- What does a typical session look like, and can we observe one before committing?
- How does this approach get adjusted if it is not working after a few months?
- What happens to our data, our schedule, and our funding if you leave or the practice closes?
- Signs to slow down
- The provider cannot name a regulatory college or certifying body, or asks you not to check it.
- You are asked to sign a long-term contract before seeing a session or meeting the therapist.
- Progress is described only in general terms, with no way to see or measure it over time.
- The provider discourages you from getting a second opinion or asking about other approaches.
- Fees, cancellation terms, or what OAP funding covers are unclear or change after you sign up.
Frequently asked questions
Therapeutic riding by instructors is not OAP-funded. Hippotherapy delivered by regulated professionals (OTs, physiotherapists) on horseback may qualify under OAP. Discuss funding options with AccessOAP.
Therapeutic riding can be safe when delivered by certified instructors with clear safety practices. Look for programs that use trained therapy horses, provide side-walkers and leaders for riders, require helmets, and screen for medical contraindications before starting. Ask about safety protocols and instructor credentials before enrolling.
Research shows therapeutic riding can improve sensory processing, motor coordination, social motivation, attention, and emotional regulation. The barn environment also provides opportunities for sequencing, following directions, and social interaction in a motivating, non-clinical context.
Where the waitlist stands
Families navigating autism services in Ontario face a documented multi-year wait. Here is the Ontario data — and a two-minute way to push back, when you are ready.
- Official provider list — snapshot of registered OAP providers. Ontario Autism Program (oapproviderlist.ca)
- Ontario Autism Program guidelines for Core Clinical Services and supports. Government of Ontario (2026)
Verified references and sources
Official Organizations
- [2025]Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet (updated September 17, 2025)World Health Organization (WHO) • Official • 2025-09-17
Peer-Reviewed Research
- [2010]Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Intervention for Toddlers With Autism: The Early Start Denver ModelDawson G, Rogers S, Munson J, et al. (Pediatrics) • Academic • 2010-01-01
- [2018]Early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)Reichow B, Hume K, Barton EE, Boyd BA (Cochrane Systematic Review) • Academic • 2018-05-09
About this page
Check the author’s context, review method, and how to report an error.