Animals, horseback riding, and implications for rehabilitation therapy

Domestication of animals began over 12,000 years ago and continues today. A nimals and humans have been developing special relationships for centuries. Despite descriptive and anecdotal reports, research focused on the use of animals as therapeutic interventions and the unique relationship that often exist between animals and humans has been sparse and frequently not based on rigorous methodology. The following article reviews interventions and ou tcomes of animals commonly considered companions or pets and horses. Issues and implications for rehabilitation professionals in regards to their awar eness and use of these less than traditional forms of interventions are exp lored.