La thérapie par le cheval dans la réadaptation des enfants handicapés mentaux Expérience Tunisienne

The population involved was evenly distributed between boys and girls; mean age was 12.5 years. Eight children attended 'ordinary' school classes. The most frequent pathology was autism (n=19 children), and encephalopathy (n=8 children). Hippotherapy had a highly favorable effect on acquisition considering that 47% of the children exhibited improved knowledge of horses, 56% participated in preparing the horse for activities, 87% caresses the horses, 80% were able to ride, and 96% achieved good posture. In terms of social contact, a clear improvement was noted, 90% of the children responded to instructions from the horse trainer, 75% tried to speak, and 80% became calm and attentive. 85% of the children's parents said they were satisfied with this activity which had modified their child's behavior, facilitating expression and communication. The professionals involved unanimously mentioned the need for specific training in hippotherapy and zootherapy. For the centers involved, technical means and adaptation to specific needs of the children is a major priority.