Equine Therapy Success Rate Reached 92 Percent
Patients at a specialized hospital in Rome saw high rehabilitation success using horse-assisted therapy.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Stroke
Lithuania's First Lady Diana Nausėdienė visited St. John Baptist Hospital in Rome to observe advanced neurological and motor rehabilitation programs. The facility integrates equine-assisted therapy within a large-scale dedicated garden.
Why it matters
This rehabilitation model highlights the integration of nature-based therapies in neurological recovery, demonstrating effective outcomes for patients with motor challenges. The visit served to strengthen international medical cooperation between the Order of Malta and Lithuania.
A report from St. John Baptist Hospital indicates that 92% of patients treated achieved their rehabilitation goals. This finding comes from a facility that has utilized a 7,700-square-metre space for equine-assisted therapy since 2016.
The players
Diana Nausėdienė
The First Lady of Lithuania who visited Rome to observe neurological rehabilitation practices.
The details
The hospital facility in Rome employs a multifaceted approach to neurological recovery, combining traditional medical care with equine-assisted therapy in the Bosco Vivo and Rehabilitation Garden. This method works by engaging motor and cognitive systems through the rhythmic movement and sensory interaction involved in therapeutic horsemanship. The Italian Relief Corps has provided medical and logistical support for these specialized rehabilitation services for over 50 years.
Timeline
1992 marked the beginning of diplomatic relations between the Order of Malta and Lithuania.
The hospital inaugurated its equine-assisted therapy program in 2016.
The Grand Master of the Order visited Lithuania in June 2026.
Diana Nausėdienė visited St. John Baptist Hospital on October 7, 2026.
Health Landscape
This development aligns with the long-standing international clinical standards established by the Order of Malta's neurological rehabilitation network. It reflects a growing trend in clinical practice to incorporate nature-integrated, movement-based therapies into standard recovery protocols.
Patients exploring motor recovery options may want to discuss the role of sensory or animal-assisted therapies with their neurologist. Success in rehabilitation often depends on access to multidisciplinary centers that can tailor physical activity to specific neurological needs.
The takeaway
The high success rates in specialized rehabilitation demonstrate the value of integrating diverse sensory environments into traditional care plans. Patients should consult their care team about whether evidence-based, movement-focused rehabilitation programs could benefit their specific recovery trajectory.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in recovery and physical support in our Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
