Perception of hippotherapy professionals about their practice with the elderly

Abstract Introduction Riding therapy is a therapeutic method recently regulated in Brazil. Nevertheless, it has been studied for years, especially focusing on children and adolescents. Considering the growing number of elderly in the Brazilian population, investigations focusing on older people are increasingly necessary. Objective To analyze the perceptions of equine therapy professionals about their practice with the elderly. Methods This was a qualitative and cross-sectional research, in which the participants answered an online questionnaire, composed of demographic questions and questions related to horseback riding with the elderly. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Results Twenty-five professionals (23-57 years old), graduates, who had worked for at least two years with hippotherapy (mean = 6.64; standard deviation = 5.39 years) participated. This sample was composed mostly of female professionals (72%) and physical therapists (48%). Of the total, 60% reported having already assisted at least one elderly practitioner. Among those who had never worked with this public, 90% wished to do so. All professionals considered that horseback riding can be beneficial in old age, reducing depressive symptoms and promoting psychosocial (e.g., socializing) and physical (e.g., balance) variables. Despite the benefits, professionals mentioned challenges, such as difficulties of the practitioner (e.g., fear), problems with the workplace (e.g., lack of qualified staff), and low demand. Conclusion Hippotherapy professionals consider riding therapy a method that contributes to improving biopsychosocial aspects of the elderly. However, they face challenges in this practice, hindering or preventing them from serving older people.