Music therapy in outdoor setting: a natural context for children with disabilities

The study focused on research in multisensory environments, involving two special education centers in Italy and Czech (EU). Starting from principle of controlled multi sensory stimulation (Snoezelen®) we developed a Music Therapy Outdoor setting, integrating sound, colors and movement during equestrian therapy sessions. We have tried to involve horses rhythm as a base to improvise following Bruscia's tecniques to engage an emphatic relationship. The research was conducted by a multidisciplinary team (including educator, physiotherapist, psychologist and music therapist) with a small sample of children in school age (5-11 years old) for a three months period during which it was observed a behavioral response related to times of attention, eye contact, movement coordination and general body awareness.