Horse riding and the elderly

A study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics was, at least to me, rather novel in the field of exercise. 30 elderly patients  were recruited from a medical care hospital (so probably not in great shape). Half were trained on a horse simulation exercise contraption (look up horse riding simulation on google and check the images) for 20 minutes, 5 times a week, for 8 weeks. Both groups got conventional therapy as well. The "horse-riding" group at the end of the study had much better balance, stability, and muscle control. The other group had some muscle strength deterioration in that time period. Better strength and stability can really help prevent falls in the elderly. This could be a fun strategy, especially for gyms or even assisted living or independent living facilities to adopt.