A Comparison of Equine-Assisted Services for People with Motor Speech Disorders

Session Description:
The study begins by introducing Equine-Assisted Services (EAS), an umbrella term encompassing a variety of activities that utilize horses to provide therapeutic benefits. EAS includes both Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAI), such as physical and speech therapy conducted by credentialed professionals, and Equine-Assisted Activities (EAA), like therapeutic or adapted riding led by trained instructors.

Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAI) focus on specific therapeutic goals. For example, a speech-language pathologist may integrate horse movement into a session to facilitate speech motor control. Equine-Assisted Activities (EAA) typically center around improving quality of life through therapeutic riding sessions that provide secondary physical or cognitive benefits. This article specifically addresses the impact of three types of EAS: classic hippotherapy, therapeutic/adapted riding, and speech therapy incorporating hippotherapy.

Intended Audience:
This is an advanced level session for therapists (PT, PTA, OT, COTA, SLP, and SLPA). 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Explain the differential therapeutic effects of classic hippotherapy, therapeutic/adapted riding, and speech therapy incorporating hippotherapy on diadochokinetic performance in individuals with motor speech disorders.

• Describe the neuromuscular and sensorimotor mechanisms through which equine movement enhances speech motor control, with emphasis on postural stabilization, multisensory integration, and rhythmic entrainment.

• Support and defend the incorporation of the horse into skilled therapy.

Presenters Biography:

Dr. Beth Macauley is an internationally recognized speech-language pathologist, educator, and researcher specializing in innovative rehabilitation approaches, including equine-assisted therapy (EAT). With over three decades of clinical experience, she has provided EAT services to hundreds of individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. Macauley translates research into practical strategies to optimize functional, cognitive, and communicative outcomes, delivering workshops in 16 countries. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI, and earned her PhD from the University of Florida, specializing in neurogenic communication disorders. In 2024, Dr. Macauley received the Alumni Award for Community Impact from UF’s College of Public Health and Health Professions in recognition of her outstanding contributions to clinical practice, education, and service.

Presenter Disclosure:

Financial: Beth Macauley is an independent contractor for AHA, Inc. and does not receive a fee from AHA, Inc. for instructional services.

Non-Financial: Beth Macauley is a member of the AHA, Inc.