Teen Equestrian Champion Brings AI to Hippotherapy

Homey Preyahathai Aroonvanichporn Balances Equestrian Titles with Community Service in Bangkok

Homey Preyahathai Aroonvanichporn, a 17-year-old student at NIST International School in Bangkok, recently claimed two titles at the Thailand Dressage Championships 2025 in the Novice Young Rider and Preliminary Junior categories.

Her victories at the national level highlight disciplined training at Thai equestrian facilities while she maintains a separate commitment to volunteer work at the Royal Horse Guard Club.

Daily Sessions at the Royal Horse Guard Club Support Children with Neurological Conditions

At the Royal Horse Guard Club in Bangkok, Homey assists therapists who guide children with cerebral palsy and autism through hippotherapy sessions that use the rhythmic movement of horses.

These sessions aim to stimulate the nervous system, strengthen muscles, and improve balance for participants who travel from communities across the capital and nearby provinces.

The Royal Horse Guard Club programme operates as one of the established hippotherapy sites in Thailand, drawing on the natural gait of horses to deliver consistent sensory input during each visit.

Traditional Observation Methods Leave Families Without Clear Progress Records

Therapists at the Royal Horse Guard Club currently rely on visual assessments to note changes in sitting ability, trunk control, and overall movement during hippotherapy.

This approach makes it difficult for families in Bangkok and surrounding areas to review measurable improvements across multiple sessions or compare outcomes over weeks of treatment.

Without systematic data collection, therapists also face challenges when trying to adjust programmes or share consistent records with medical teams at Thai hospitals.

AI and Computer Vision System Developed to Deliver Objective Movement Analysis

Homey created a concept that pairs artificial intelligence with computer vision technology to track posture and movement patterns during hippotherapy sessions at the Royal Horse Guard Club.

The system records specific data points on balance and trunk alignment, giving therapists and families in Thailand access to numerical assessments rather than descriptions alone.

By storing session information digitally, the tool allows comparison of results from one week to the next, supporting more precise adjustments to each child’s rehabilitation plan.

Project Aims to Strengthen Rehabilitation Research and Public Understanding Across Thailand

Homey intends for the collected data to contribute to future studies on hippotherapy outcomes within Thai medical and academic circles.

She also seeks to increase awareness among families in Bangkok and regional communities about how horse-assisted therapy can support children with neurological disabilities.

The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by Thai health organisations to expand accessible rehabilitation options that combine traditional practices with modern technology.

Regional Implications for ASEAN Disability Support and Thai Tourism

Improved measurement tools for hippotherapy could influence similar programmes in neighbouring ASEAN countries where horse-assisted therapy is gaining attention for children with disabilities.

Thailand’s established equestrian clubs and growing interest in inclusive tourism may benefit as objective data helps demonstrate the therapy’s value to international visitors and local families alike.

Homey’s work at the Royal Horse Guard Club illustrates one way young Thai athletes are linking competitive sport experience with practical contributions to community health services.