Adaptive Horseback Riding From the View of the Participant

Abstract

Since the dawn of time, horses have been used as beasts of burden. Humans used horses as means of survival; horses were harvested as meat, utilized as work power, mounted for battle, and used for transportation. As society has shifted, so has the role of the horse. Currently, the majority of the United State’s horse population is used for recreational activities, as opposed to work. Horses have become a source of pleasure, more recently the therapeutic benefit of horses has been realized. Horses are being utilized to help people with a wide array of challenges and disabilities. Using a qualitative, case study design, this study ­­­focuses on participants during an adaptive riding session, to find out what children enjoy most about the experience. The first section provides background information and why this study is important to the field. The second section examines current research in the literature. The third section explains the specific procedures of this study. Data was collected from ten participants, who were identified through purposive sampling. Using photo elicitation and semi-structured interviews, participants were asked about the adaptive riding experience. The data was documented and analyzed to discover what they enjoyed most during their sessions.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 12-4-2015

Mentor

Kathy Splinter-Watkins

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Department Name when Degree Awarded

Occupational Therapy

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