Equine therapy (horse therapy) is an alternative treatment method as well as a type of rehabilitation. The slow and rhythmic movements of the horse have significant therapeutic effects and assist in the development of paraspinal muscles. The movement of a walking horse produces rhythmic impulses per minute. This encourages the patient to maintain balance and upright posture by repetitively challenging postural reactions and remain sitting on the horse. For people on the autistic spectrum, animal-assisted therapy can be both fun and beneficial. Those who require occupational or physical therapy may also benefit from therapeutic horseback riding to further develop their motor skills.