12/03/2026
A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science suggests that therapeutic horseback riding combined with cognitive training may help improve motor skills in children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers recruited 25 children aged 5 to 16 and enrolled them in programs lasting from eight weeks to one year. The program included weekly horseback riding sessions along with brain-building exercises led by a speech therapist.
During the program, children learned basic riding skills while also completing activities designed to improve sensory processing, balance, and coordination, such as music therapy, eye-tracking exercises, and hand-eye coordination tasks. After eight weeks, participants showed improvements in dexterity, coordination, and strength. Children who continued the program for a year also showed better behavior, social communication, focus, and academic performance. Although the study was small, researchers say the results highlight the potential benefits of combining physical activity with cognitive training for children with ADHD and autism.
