Steady in the Saddle

Explore findings from a pilot study evaluating whether six sessions of adaptive horseback riding could reduce fall risk in 12 adults over 60 with Parkinson’s disease. Results suggest improvements in gait, posture, balance confidence, and postural control, supporting the feasibility of mounted equine-assisted services as a novel falls-prevention intervention.

About our Presenters:

Whitney Angelini, PT, DPT, CTRI, MMES is a licensed physical therapist, certified therapeutic riding instructor, and university educator with more than a decade of experience integrating evidence-based rehabilitation and equine-assisted interventions to support individuals to support individuals with neurological, orthopedic, and developmental conditions. She is a physical therapist who incorporates equine movement into patient treatment plans and has contributed to research on adaptive riding for fall prevention in individuals with neurological impairments, as well as scholarship related to equine use in recreational therapy practice. Dr. Angelini earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy and bachelor’s degrees from Slippery Rock University, holds multiple professional certifications through PATH Intl. and education through the American Hippotherapy Association.

Betsy Kemeny is Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Certified Professional Gerontologist with 33 years of professional experience. Her work experiences have included outpatient rehabilitation, adult day, assisted living, hospice, and long-term care. Her scholarship includes more than 30 publications and 70 presentations. As Professor and Program Director of Recreational Therapy at Slippery Rock University, she is also a Fellow, Distinguished in Recreational Therapy. She currently serves as co-chair of the Scientific Advisory Council for HHRF. Dr. Kemeny received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Wake Forest University, her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. From 2014 to 2022, Dr. Kemeny has served on the board of directors for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association as Member at Large, Secretary, and President. She was the President of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists from 2022-2025.