Autism and Horses: The Powerful Impact of Equine Interaction for Autistic People

Dr. Grandin is a prominent author and speaker on both autism and animal behaviour. Today she is a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University.  She also has a successful career consulting on both livestock handling equipment design and animal welfare.  She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio) and a BBC Special – “The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow”. She has also appeared on National TV shows such as Larry King Live, 20/20, Sixty Minutes, Fox and Friends, and she has a 2010 TED talk.  Articles about Dr. Grandin have appeared in Time Magazine, New York Times, Discover Magazine, Forbes and USA Today. HBO made an Emmy Award-winning movie about her life and she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2016. 

Diagnosed with ‘Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies’ and ‘too sick’ for outpatient treatment, Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalisation. Nonspeaking until 4 years of age, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a full-time professor at Adelphi University and adjunct at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, focusing on aligning best practice in supporting autistic people to lead fulfilling and productive lives. In addition to working with children and discussing life on the autism spectrum, Stephen is an internationally renowned educator, consultant and author on lifespan issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, and self-advocacy. His most recent book College for Students with Disabilities combines personal stories and research for promoting success in higher education. Dr. Shore combines personal, practical, and academic experiences to promote fulfilling and productive lives for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals as the rule rather than the exception.  

With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Professor Tony Attwood is one of the world’s foremost specialists on Autism. Holding an Honour’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hull, a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Surrey, and a PhD from the University of London, his credentials are a testament to his expertise. Currently serving as an adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland, Tony's impact has enriched the global understanding of autism.

Alongside Dr Michelle Garnett, Tony co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, driven by the shared goal of enhancing autism awareness and understanding. Their shared vision seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding autism to create a world where autism is embraced, and the diverse strengths, talents, and perspectives of autistic individuals are celebrated. This transformative narrative fosters a more inclusive and accepting society, benefitting all its members.

Renowned for his extensive contributions to understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, now commonly referred to as autism, Tony has authored numerous publications on the subject. His seminal book, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals debuted in 1998, resonated globally, and has since found its voice in over 25 languages, making his insights accessible across cultures and continents.

With a dedicated commitment to practical application, he has run a private practice for 30 years, only recently closing his books due to a long waiting list. Beyond his clinical work, he dedicates significant time to travel, sharing insights and knowledge through workshops and seminars across national and international platforms.

Dr Michelle Garnett is a clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of specialisation in autism. In 2005, she founded Minds & Hearts, a clinic specialising in autism, where she served as Clinical and Managing Director for 14 years until 2019. Alongside Tony Attwood she co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, aiming to enhance autism awareness and understanding with a vision to foster a neuro-affirming community.

In addition to her extensive private practice, Michelle has significantly contributed to autism research, authored influential books, and engaged in impactful speaking engagements. Her peer-reviewed research has informed our understanding of early autism identification, the female autism profile, and the link between mental health and positive outcomes in autistic individuals. She has co-authored six respected books on autism, including the influential Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism (2018) with Barb Cook, a seminal work on the female autism experience. Her recent books, Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum and Ten Steps to Reducing Your Child’s Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum offer invaluable guidance to parents of young autistic children.

Michelle is a sought-after presence in academic circles, presenting as a keynote speaker at conferences and conducting workshops, seminars, and training sessions on autism across Australia, the UK and Europe. Her influence extends to universities, autism organisations, government, and non-governmental bodies, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the autism field. Michelle is autistic and has ADHD, late diagnosed.

Head and founder of the first Russian centre for hippotherapy and equine-assisted therapies for neurodivergent children and adults, Our Sunny World. Established in 1991, Our Sunny World is one of the oldest and most well-recognised organizations in Russia. The centre is renowned for their work in psychological and pedagogical therapy, providing professional support in the process of comprehensive habilitation, rehabilitation and social adaptation for children and adults, as well as their families, and training specialists. Our Sunny World is a leading expert organization in the Russian Federation on issues of accessibility of all spheres of life for autistic people and people with other disabilities. It is the first Russian organization to be accepted into the International Association Autism Europe – an association uniting leading organizations from 30 European countries, representing the interests of autistic people from all European countries at the level of the European Union. 

Irina has a strong passion for working with horses and people. Her career started in education, and she has over 10 years’ of school/university teaching experience as a registered teacher. She is an Equestrian Australia registered coach, with over 30 years of experience working with horses from the basic day to day handling to preparing and training for competitions. Irina started her riding experience at the Maple Leaf Farm, Del Mar, USA, training under Dale Harvey, an internationally renowned show-jumper, who managed the US Equestrian Team Olympic Trials in 2000 and the first three US Equestrian Team World Equestrian Games Selection Trials in 2002. After moving to Australia, she commenced providing private tuition to a broad range of clients, including children as young as 3 years and adults. By combining her educational background with her passion for equine co-facilitators, she believes in achieving positive outcomes for a broad range of clients’ needs. In June 2015 Irina focused her attention on supporting autistic people and special needs clients and opened EquusTerra Therapeutic horse-riding centre. The centre assists 60 plus clients per week working with 4 coaches. Some of the riders participate in the Special Olympics Games, reaching great success at the World Games with gold, silver and bronze medals in 2019 and 2023. EquusTerra Centre offers programs in Therapeutic Riding, Equine Assisted Personal Development, Adaptive Natural Horsemanship and Equine Assisted Counselling. The centre’s activities include supporting the programs at the Brisbane Youth Education and Training Centre, and West Moreton Youth Detention Centre, as well as rehabilitation program at St Vincent de Paul, participation in various fundraising and social events for schools and retirement villages. In 2023 Irina was selected as a Finalist in the Coach of the Year nominations by Equestrian Queensland and received an Outstanding Business Award recognition by Autism Queensland from the Governor General of Queensland.

Dr Kriegeskotten is a psychiatrist with 25 years of experience both in the Public Health sector and in private practice. She is an Equine Assisted Psychotherapist trained in the EAGALA model, as well as ARCH and AAPT. Dr Kriegeskotten has been fascinated by horses all her life and is passionate about the way in which Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can support autistic people and people with mental health conditions to improve their quality of life.  In 2012, Dr Kriegeskotten founded Equiliberty, her equine-assisted psychotherapy business. Within Queensland Health, Dr Kriegeskotten worked in a specialised team treating traumatised children and adolescents in foster care, and in community mental health clinics in Queensland. In addition, Dr Kriegeskotten has conducted outreach to remote Indigenous communities and mining towns. For the last ten years, Dr Kriegeskotten focused on her private practice with therapy dog Romeo.