Much of my academic research has focused on beat based perception and the unique, human-like, gait of the horse.
To date, I have conducted an empirical experiment on 40 children with Dyspraxia, designed to investigate the effects which the motion of a horse may have on cognition, mood arousal and gait variability, in order to determine whether those effects could be stimulated or re-stimulated by an audio or visual perception of that motion.
Children in this study participated in 2x30mins audio/visual screenings and 6x30mins horse riding sessions, once a week for a period of 8 weeks. The riding lessons consisted of a series of games and exercises devised to assist with balance and engagement while riding. Children were assessed pre and post the 8 week study period and all information remained anonymous.
Following highly significant improvements in cognitive abilities, mood and ambulation as well as an indication of potential for the adoption of an audio-visual approach to Equine Therapy, I am currently investigating the extent to which audio-visual perception alone, might contribute positive cognitive, social or emotional value to children with special needs. Thereby extending the beneficial effects of Equine therapy sessions, both temporally and spatially.
The paper from this experiment is currently under review for publishing.
To date, I have conducted an empirical experiment on 40 children with Dyspraxia, designed to investigate the effects which the motion of a horse may have on cognition, mood arousal and gait variability, in order to determine whether those effects could be stimulated or re-stimulated by an audio or visual perception of that motion.
Children in this study participated in 2x30mins audio/visual screenings and 6x30mins horse riding sessions, once a week for a period of 8 weeks. The riding lessons consisted of a series of games and exercises devised to assist with balance and engagement while riding. Children were assessed pre and post the 8 week study period and all information remained anonymous.
Following highly significant improvements in cognitive abilities, mood and ambulation as well as an indication of potential for the adoption of an audio-visual approach to Equine Therapy, I am currently investigating the extent to which audio-visual perception alone, might contribute positive cognitive, social or emotional value to children with special needs. Thereby extending the beneficial effects of Equine therapy sessions, both temporally and spatially.
The paper from this experiment is currently under review for publishing.