Individual with MS participating in hippotherapy to improve balance and stability.

Saddle Up for Stability: Can Hippotherapy Help with Multiple Sclerosis?

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how equine-assisted therapy might improve postural control for those living with MS, offering a path towards better balance and enhanced well-being."

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord, leading to a range of physical challenges. One of the most common difficulties faced by individuals with MS is impaired postural control, which significantly increases the risk of falls and impacts daily life.

Traditional approaches to managing MS symptoms include physical therapy and medications. However, emerging research suggests that alternative therapies, particularly those that engage sensory strategies, may offer additional benefits. Hippotherapy, or equine-assisted therapy, is one such method gaining attention for its potential to improve balance and stability.

A recent study investigated the effects of hippotherapy on postural control in individuals with MS. This article delves into the findings of this research, exploring how this unique therapeutic approach could help those with MS regain better balance and enhance their overall quality of life.

Hippotherapy: A Promising Approach to Postural Stability

Individual with MS participating in hippotherapy to improve balance and stability.

The study, conducted at the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil, involved 11 participants with MS who were divided into two groups: an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The IG participated in a hippotherapy program consisting of two 50-minute sessions per week for four months. During these sessions, participants engaged in activities designed to improve posture, balance, and coordination while interacting with horses.

Postural stability was assessed using a force plate, which measured the center of pressure (COP) as participants stood still with their eyes open and closed. Researchers analyzed several variables, including the amplitude of anterior-posterior (AMPap) and medial-lateral (AMPml) displacement, as well as the mean speed of displacement in both directions (VMap and VMml).

The intervention group (IG) showed a significant reduction in the amplitude of oscillation in the anterior-posterior direction, indicating improved stability.
The control group (CG) did not experience any significant changes in postural stability.
Both groups demonstrated reduced postural stability when visual information was suppressed (eyes closed), highlighting the importance of vision in maintaining balance.

These results suggest that hippotherapy can induce functional adaptations that lead to better postural stability in individuals with MS. The rhythmic movement of the horse, combined with the need to maintain balance, appears to stimulate sensory and motor systems, ultimately improving postural control.

Moving Forward: The Potential of Hippotherapy

This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of hippotherapy as a complementary intervention for balance disorders in individuals with MS. By engaging multiple sensory systems and promoting functional adaptations, hippotherapy offers a unique approach to improving postural stability and overall well-being.

While the findings are promising, further research is needed to confirm these results and explore the long-term effects of hippotherapy on MS symptoms. Future studies should also investigate the optimal dosage and specific activities that maximize the benefits of this therapeutic approach.

For individuals with MS seeking to improve their balance and stability, hippotherapy may be a valuable addition to their treatment plan. Consulting with a healthcare professional and a qualified hippotherapist is essential to determine if this therapy is right for you and to develop a safe and effective program.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and how does it relate to the topic?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. This leads to various physical challenges, including impaired postural control. The impact of MS on postural control increases the risk of falls and significantly affects daily life. Traditional treatments like physical therapy and medications are used, but research suggests alternative therapies, such as hippotherapy, might offer additional benefits to improve balance and well-being for those with MS.

What is hippotherapy, and how does it work?

Hippotherapy, or equine-assisted therapy, involves therapeutic activities with horses to improve postural stability. In this context, the rhythmic movement of the horse and the need to maintain balance stimulate the sensory and motor systems. This process leads to functional adaptations that result in better postural control for individuals with MS. Participants in a study engaged in activities designed to improve posture, balance, and coordination while interacting with horses during sessions that were 50 minutes, twice a week, for four months.

What is postural control, and how was it measured in this context?

Postural control refers to the ability to maintain balance and stability. The study used a force plate to measure the center of pressure (COP) while participants stood still with their eyes open and closed. Researchers analyzed variables like the amplitude of anterior-posterior (AMPap) and medial-lateral (AMPml) displacement, and the mean speed of displacement in both directions (VMap and VMml). The results showed the intervention group (IG) experienced a reduction in the amplitude of oscillation in the anterior-posterior direction, indicating improved stability, while the control group (CG) showed no significant changes. The results highlight the importance of vision in maintaining balance for individuals with MS.

Where was the study conducted, and what were the basic elements of the study design?

The Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil conducted the study. The study design involved 11 participants with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), divided into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The IG participated in a hippotherapy program with sessions twice a week for four months. Postural stability was assessed using a force plate to measure the center of pressure (COP). The study provides valuable data on how hippotherapy can impact individuals with MS and adds to the existing research on its effectiveness.

What were the key findings of the study, and what do they mean for individuals with MS?

The study's findings indicate that hippotherapy can lead to better postural stability in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The intervention group (IG), which participated in the hippotherapy program, showed improved stability. This suggests that hippotherapy can be a beneficial complementary intervention for balance disorders. By engaging multiple sensory systems and promoting functional adaptations, hippotherapy offers a unique approach to improving postural stability and overall well-being for individuals with MS. The outcomes suggest the therapy can improve quality of life.