Authors: Contalbrigo Laura, Borgi Marta, De Santis Marta, Collacchi Barbara, Tuozzi Adele, Toson Marica, Redaelli Veronica, Odore Rosangela, Vercelli Cristina, Stefani Annalisa, Luzi Fabio, Valle Emanuela, Cirulli Francesca
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Equine-assisted interventions (EAIs) are increasingly utilised in therapeutic settings, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder, yet little evidence exists regarding the physiological and behavioural stress experienced by the horses themselves during these sessions. Researchers across multiple centres evaluated 19 horses working with 38 children (19 with ASD, 19 typically developing) using a controlled repeated-measures design, measuring behavioural stress indicators, heart rate variability, infrared eye temperature, and blood biomarkers (ACTH, cortisol, catecholamines) before and after standardised riding sessions. Contrary to expectations, horses showed comparable overall stress responses regardless of whether they were working with ASD or typically developing children; however, horses demonstrated significantly lower sympathetic nervous system activation during ASD sessions, whilst mounting and dismounting phases consistently triggered measurable stress behaviours independent of the child's developmental status. These findings highlight a critical gap between practice and equine welfare: the mechanical and logistical demands of mounting and dismounting may be more physiologically taxing than the interpersonal interaction itself, suggesting that EAI practitioners should reassess equipment, handling protocols and session structure to mitigate avoidable stress and better align therapeutic benefit with animal welfare considerations.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •EAI practitioners should prioritise horse welfare by recognising that mounting/dismounting phases consistently cause stress regardless of child type; implement protective practices during these high-risk phases
- •Horses tolerate interactions with ASD children similarly to typically developing children, but individual animal welfare assessment remains essential for safe programme delivery
- •Refine standardised riding protocols to account for equine physiological and behavioural stress indicators, not just child outcomes
Key Findings
- •Stress responses in horses during EAI sessions did not differ significantly between children with ASD and typically developing children
- •Horses showed lower sympathetic tone during sessions with ASD children compared to TD children
- •Mounting and dismounting phases elicited behavioural signs of stress in horses independently of the child's behaviour
- •Blood markers (ACTH, cortisol, catecholamines) and physiological measures (heart rate, heart rate variability, eye temperature) were monitored to assess equine stress