Grace Wuillermin

Activity Title: Adapted Horseback Riding

Sources:
Fischer, R. (2019, March 7). The Benefits of Equine Therapy. Down Syndrome Association of

Wisconsin. https://www.dsaw.org/blog/equinetherapy

Merzbach, V., & Gordon, D. (2006, May). The benefits of exercise to a Down’s Syndrome

population. Www.intellectualdisability.info.

http://www.intellectualdisability.info/physical-health/articles/the-benefits-of-exercise-to-

a-downs-syndrome-population

National Down Syndrome Society. (2017). What is Down syndrome? NDSS.

https://www.ndss.org/about-down-syndrome/down-syndrome/

Positive Action Staff. (2021, February 11). How to Teach Students With Down Syndrome? 14

Strategies. Www.positiveaction.net. https://www.positiveaction.net/blog/teaching-

students-with-down-syndrome-strategies

Equipment needed: The participant does not need to bring any equipment to the farm.
The horse stable will provide the necessary equipment for riding like the horse’s saddle,
saddle blanket, bridle, helmet etc.
Activity Description
Need to wear: a helmet, comfortable and sturdy shoes (sneakers or boots), long pants of
any kind.
The participant will get on the horse by using a mounting block and assistance from the
recreational therapists. Because of the participant’s moderate cognitive impairment, one
person will be leading the horse from the front, while two others will be walking along
each side. This is for the participant’s safety and self-confidence.
There are no rules or guidelines for leisure horseback riding. The participant will be told
how to properly hold the horse’s reins and sit tall with good posture. They will walk
around the ring and depending on their comfort level, possibly trot. They can also
participate in mini obstacle courses that require cognitive engagement and following
directions.
 Primary social interaction pattern(s): Horseback riding’s physical benefits that can help
with the participant’s physical exercise are endurance, strength, balance and core
stability. For cognitive benefits, horseback riding includes working your memory,
listening skills, spatial awareness, communication and engagement. Other benefits of
horseback riding include self-confidence, leadership and trust (Fischer, 2019).
Adaptation: An activity such as horseback riding can easily be adapted for a person with
down syndrome. When working with a person that has down syndrome, it is important to
give clear and precise instructions. Repeating the directions will assist the person in
comprehension. This will allow more time for the participant to understand the
instructions (Positive Action Staff, 2021). Having one recreational therapist lead the
horse at the front and two on each side of the horse will help the participant feel
comfortable and confident in what they are doing. Depending on the individual’s
experience and comfort level, the therapists can decide the horse’s pace and if they could
play games such as obstacle courses.
Participant: 45-year-old man with Down Syndrome– Moderate cognitive impairment,
heart defect, and obesity.

Activity Analysis Form:

file:///C:/Users/Grace%20Wuillermin/Documents/Activity%20Analysis%20Form%20for%20Ac
tivity%20Plan%201.pdf