all aspects of a person’s well-being. These activities combine
the benefits of physical activities with psychological
benefits derived from interaction between human being and
animal; however, it remains unclear whether these reported
curative effects can be attributed specifically to the assistance
by a horse or to the horse–human relationship.10
No previous studies support the hypothesis that horseback
riding, organized as equine-assisted therapy (EAT), provides
physiological and psychological benefits in breast cancer
survivors. Thus, this study was performed to investigate the
effects of an EAT protocol on the physiologic and psychological
outcomes in a sample of women who had undergone
breast cancer surgery.
growing number of survivors. Breast cancer survivors,
however, face challenges related to their illness and treatments,
including risk for recurring cancer, persistent physiologic
and psychological adverse effects, and an overall
decrease in quality of life. Systematic reviews and metaanalyses
have demonstrated that exercise interventions are
particularly appropriate in cancer populations because they
have the potential to improve physical and psychological
health.3–6
Among the various intervention activities of particular
interest are activities involving horses. Therapeutic riding in
particular7 invites the participation of people with a wide
range of physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities,
using the equine–human relationship to strengthen selfesteem,
self-confidence, and social competence. All and
Loving8 reported that through the recreational aspects of
horseback riding, therapeutic riding provides an overall
benefit to an individual. Funk and Smith9 consider therapeutic
riding to be the use of horses and riding to improve