The Horse Boy Foundation, in conjunction with researchers from the University of Texas at Austin, is currently conducting a pilot study to investigate whether participation in a three day ‘Horse Boy Camp’ will improve child outcomes in terms of social and cognitive functioning, as well as parental and sibling well-being.
A Horse Boy Camp usually consists of 4-5 families staying together in nature.
These camps are often when we see our best results, perhaps not only because of the immersion in nature with horses but also because the whole family is able to spend relaxed time together with an extended tribe of other autism families and carers.
This tribal concept is integral to Horse Boy Method.
Why?
Because most autism and special needs families exist in isolation from each other, without any real community or way to come together, exchange information and provide the kind of support that is truly needed.
Horse Boy Environments and people trained in Horse Boy Method can provide this. In fact it’s one of the most valuable services that the Horse Boy Method does provide.
In addition Horse Boy Method seeks not only to get communication with autistic children but also to show siblings, that their brother’s or sister’s autism can open doors not just shut them.
This is why we are interested in studying sibling well-being alongside child outcomes and parental well-being.
If initial pilot results look promising, we will wirte a grant proposal to conduct a randomized-controlled trial of the effectiveness of Horse Boy Camps.
This research should hopefully allow us to provide more subsidized places for families on camps that work with Horse Boy Method.
Watch this space for future developments.
