17/06/2026
We often talk about equine welfare, and rightly so. But this week, we’re also looking at the wellbeing of the young people who spend time with horses.
A 2022 study explored a 10-week equine-assisted adaptive riding program for young people aged 6–17 with mild-to-moderate anxiety. The program combined riding, horsemanship and structured wellbeing skills, including relaxation, confidence-building and managing anxious thoughts.
The study found some encouraging benefits for young people, including:
• reduced anxiety
• improved emotional regulation
• opportunities to practise relaxation and coping skills
• confidence-building through supported horse activities
• connection, responsibility and trust-building with horses
• learning in a practical, non-clinical environment
Importantly, the study also considered horse welfare. Researchers monitored the horses’ stress and relaxation markers and found no significant signs that the program increased stress for the horses involved.
While this study focused on a therapeutic/adaptive riding program, it reflects something many Pony Club families already know: safe, structured and supportive horse environments can offer young people much more than riding skills.
For Pony Club members, that can mean confidence, friendships, responsibility, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
And for families who are interested in getting started with horses but do not have their own, Pony Club Accredited Riding Centres provide a pathway to learn using trained school horses while working through the Pony Club Australia syllabus.
👉 Find a Pony Club or Accredited Riding Centre near you via the Pony Club Australia website.
For those who would like to read further, you can find the link to the study in the comments.
