Equipping YOU with Knowledge
Equipping your child with skills and equipping YOU with knowledge!
Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions, helpful information, video links, and further resources about our services and the discipline of Hippotherapy, what it is and how it differs from adaptive horseback riding. Our aim is to provide you with resources & tools, and equip you with knowledge.
Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions, helpful information, video links, and further resources about our services and the discipline of Hippotherapy, what it is and how it differs from adaptive horseback riding. Our aim is to provide you with resources & tools, and equip you with knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Occupational, Physical, or Speech & Language Therapy Help Me or My Child?
- You'll receive personalized therapy programs and recovery support to help overcome physical, mental, or cognitive challenges caused by injury, stroke, concussion, depression, chronic pain, disability, and more.
- You'll have access to a wide and diverse range of interventions and therapy tools at Stable Connections, including animal assisted interventions, that will be tailored to your needs to provide you with improved functioning.
- Our therapists will help improve well-being through physical rehabilitation to improve mobility, cognitive strategies to help enhance memory and problem-solving skills, strategies to overcome anxiety and low mood, as well as the use of adaptive equipment like grab bars or reaching tools as needed.
- By taking this personalized approach, our therapists tailor treatment to enhance independence in daily life at home, at school or work, and in the community.
How Do Our services Work?
Our multidisciplinary team of therapists will conduct an individualized assessment and develop a holistic treatment plan using the right approach to help you overcome challenges, meet your needs, and achieve your goals. Challenges are approached with the aim of overcoming them, and may include compensation, remediation and/or adaptation techniques.
When Can I Expect To See Results?
This really depends on the challenges you face and your goals. Our therapists may provide you with strategies that help you see improvements immediately, while other challenges may take a bit longer to address. Please speak to your therapist if you have any questions or concerns, we are here to assist you in any way we can.
Weekly Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech-Language Therapy sessions are common and can be tailored to individual needs, typically lasting 30-60 minutes. The frequency can vary, with some individuals attending 1-2 times per week, while others may have sessions every other week, depending on their specific goals and the therapist's recommendations.
Early intervention in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy is crucial for promoting faster recovery, preventing complications, and maximizing long-term outcomes for individuals of all ages. By addressing issues promptly, these therapies can significantly improve physical and mental well-being, enhance independence, and potentially reduce long-term healthcare costs.
- Intensive Therapy is a concentrated and focused approach to therapy that provides more frequent and longer sessions over a shorter period of time.
- Drawing from a wide variety of treatments and interventions Intensive Therapy is used to accelerate progress, takes advantage of neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to change and adapt), and helps individuals achieve functional goals more efficiently.
- By increasing the frequency and intensity of therapy, individuals can experience faster progress in developing or regaining skills.
Do I Need a referral?
No referral is required to access our services. Just contact us today
Do You Direct Bill Health Insurance Companies?
Stable Connections is a private pay facility that does not bill directly to health insurance companies. However, we do provide documentation to assist in the reimbursement process.
What Do I Bring To My Initial Clinical Appointment?
- At your initial appointment the therapist will discuss any medical history that relates to your/ your child's condition, so please bring details of any health problems, past treatments, medical history, and list of medications. You are welcome to have a family member, caregiver or friend with you for support. Your first appointment may take place at our Downtown Clinic or at our Ranch location depending on your individual needs.
- Bring comfortable clothing with room to move freely, and all mobility aids, assistive devices and technology you use such as walkers, splints, supports, prosthetics and orthotics, braces, or tablet/ electronic devices etc.
How to Book an Appointment
Three Easy Steps to Book and Prepare for Your Appointment:
1. Phone consultation: consult with our team to access the right services for your child, yourself or family member.
2. Paperwork: complete the required paperwork for the services selected.
3. Initial Assessment: our team will schedule your initial assessment with the best therapist for your needs. From here, we work with you to determine goals, create an effective treatment plan, start treatment and get you on your way to reaching those goals!
No need for a doctor's referral to attend Stable Connections, just call or email us to book your initial consultation.
1. Phone consultation: consult with our team to access the right services for your child, yourself or family member.
2. Paperwork: complete the required paperwork for the services selected.
3. Initial Assessment: our team will schedule your initial assessment with the best therapist for your needs. From here, we work with you to determine goals, create an effective treatment plan, start treatment and get you on your way to reaching those goals!
No need for a doctor's referral to attend Stable Connections, just call or email us to book your initial consultation.
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is the use of the horse in medical treatments. Licensed, specially trained and certified Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and/or Speech and Language Therapy professionals use the horse's movement in treatment to improve the daily function of people with disabilities. Learn more about Hippotherapy and how it can benefit you or your child from the American Hippotherapy Association information video below.
Frequently Asked questions about hippotherapy & Adaptive riding
Why Choose an American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Trained Therapist?
Effective use of equine movement as a treatment tool/strategy requires extensive knowledge of the interaction of human and equine physiology when a patient is placed on a moving horse. Therapy professionals need in depth understanding of equines and equine movement to safely and effectively integrate the impact of equine movement with other therapy tools/ strategies to achieve their patients’ treatment goals.
Since 1992, the American Hippotherapy Association Inc. (AHA) has offered the only standardized curriculum dedicated to hippotherapy as a treatment tool/strategy within occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language therapy. AHA Inc. trained therapists are expected to follow the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. Statements of Best Practice for the Use of Hippotherapy by Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology Professionals.
Voluntary certification in the inclusion of hippotherapy as a treatment tool/strategy within occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech language pathology services is available from the American Hippotherapy Certification Board (AHCB). There is a growing number of therapists who have successfully met the AHCB criteria and are recognized as “AHCB Certified” or “Board Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialists” (HPCS). Learn more about AHCB certification.
Since 1992, the American Hippotherapy Association Inc. (AHA) has offered the only standardized curriculum dedicated to hippotherapy as a treatment tool/strategy within occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language therapy. AHA Inc. trained therapists are expected to follow the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. Statements of Best Practice for the Use of Hippotherapy by Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology Professionals.
Voluntary certification in the inclusion of hippotherapy as a treatment tool/strategy within occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech language pathology services is available from the American Hippotherapy Certification Board (AHCB). There is a growing number of therapists who have successfully met the AHCB criteria and are recognized as “AHCB Certified” or “Board Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialists” (HPCS). Learn more about AHCB certification.
How Does Hippotherapy Differ from Adaptive/ Therapeutic Riding?
The term “Hippotherapy” refers to the inclusion of purposefully manipulated equine movement into a client’s plan of care as a treatment tool or strategy. This can be done by occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language pathology professionals while working within their scope of practice. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology services are all healthcare services. They are intended to provide habilitation or rehabilitation.
Hippotherapy should not be confused with riding lessons for individuals with special needs. It is the position of AHA Inc. that when describing riding lessons for individuals with special needs, the term “therapeutic riding” may imply “therapy” and may be misleading. Therefore, in the best interest of consumers and public protection, the preferred term of AHA Inc. to describe this activity is “adaptive horseback riding”.
Hippotherapy should not be confused with riding lessons for individuals with special needs. It is the position of AHA Inc. that when describing riding lessons for individuals with special needs, the term “therapeutic riding” may imply “therapy” and may be misleading. Therefore, in the best interest of consumers and public protection, the preferred term of AHA Inc. to describe this activity is “adaptive horseback riding”.
Adaptive Horseback Riding
Adaptive horseback riding (also known as Therapeutic Horseback Riding) is a riding lesson for individuals with special needs. Adaptive horseback riding lessons are provided under the guidance of a specially trained and certified adaptive horseback riding instructor. The purpose of adaptive horseback riding lessons is to teach riding skills and/or allow for participation in horseback riding for individuals with a variety of needs. Adaptive riding instructors may provide adaptations to tack, equipment, physical supports or their teaching style, to allow for participation in horseback riding for individuals with a variety of needs. Riding instructors do not provide habilitation or rehabilitation.
When seeking recreational accessible riding lessons and/or adaptive horseback riding lessons please ensure you seek out a riding instructor that is certified in Adaptive Horseback Riding. Recognized Adaptive Horseback Riding certifications to look out for when seeking accessible riding lessons for you or your family are: Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) or Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).
When seeking recreational accessible riding lessons and/or adaptive horseback riding lessons please ensure you seek out a riding instructor that is certified in Adaptive Horseback Riding. Recognized Adaptive Horseback Riding certifications to look out for when seeking accessible riding lessons for you or your family are: Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) or Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).
Who Can Provide Therapy Services that Include Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a treatment tool or strategy that can be utilized by occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech-language pathology professionals who have also been certified in the use of hippotherapy.
If you are seeking therapy (whether that's occupational, physical, speech & language therapy, or counselling) for yourself or your family member, be sure to seek out a licensed therapist who has completed continuing education in the use of hippotherapy in treatment or animal assisted therapy for counselling and/or psychology therapy.
If you are seeking therapy (whether that's occupational, physical, speech & language therapy, or counselling) for yourself or your family member, be sure to seek out a licensed therapist who has completed continuing education in the use of hippotherapy in treatment or animal assisted therapy for counselling and/or psychology therapy.
What Should Families/ Clients Expect From Hippotherapy?
At the start of therapy services, an initial evaluation should be completed by your therapist, and an appropriate treatment plan will be developed. Hippotherapy is intended to be one part of an overall occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language pathology treatment plan, which means your therapist will likely include a variety of treatment tools, strategies, and approaches in treatment.
Families/ clients should expect that treating occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals who include equine movement into a therapy session have made a sound clinical judgement as to the appropriateness of hippotherapy integrated into the plan of care and that they are addressing the patient’s functional limitations and treatment needs through provision of necessary therapy services.
AHA Inc. trained therapists determine the potential value of including hippotherapy into the patient’s occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language therapy treatment. The therapist will carefully select a horse for the client, based on the horse’s temperament, movement and confirmation. The movement of the horse is purposefully manipulated to impact the client. In addition, skilled and licensed therapists may use various developmental positions to further enhance this movement.
Families/ clients should expect that treating occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals who include equine movement into a therapy session have made a sound clinical judgement as to the appropriateness of hippotherapy integrated into the plan of care and that they are addressing the patient’s functional limitations and treatment needs through provision of necessary therapy services.
AHA Inc. trained therapists determine the potential value of including hippotherapy into the patient’s occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language therapy treatment. The therapist will carefully select a horse for the client, based on the horse’s temperament, movement and confirmation. The movement of the horse is purposefully manipulated to impact the client. In addition, skilled and licensed therapists may use various developmental positions to further enhance this movement.
Things to Ask
With the increasing amount of services accessible in our province that incorporate equines, it is important to educate ourselves on the many distinctions between programs to ensure we are accessing safe and appropriate services. Click on the titles below to learn more on the things to ask when seeking out these services.
Adaptive Riding
There are multiple associations that provide training for riding instructors to gain the skills necessary to ensure safe practices when working with children and adults with special needs. If you are seeking recreational opportunities for your child or family member to participate in adaptive riding lessons, please ensure your provider has a current, up-to-date, and active certification with one of the following:
- The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA)
- The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH)
- The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA): Instructor of Riders with Disabilities certification
Therapy Services
In order to be able to provide "therapy" services, a provider must hold a valid license with their governing body (ie: license to practice occupational therapy, social work, counselling, physiotherapy, etc). If you are pursuing therapy services, please ensure your provider is licensed to conduct services.
Reserved titles, prescribed under section 12 of the Health Professions Act as being for the exclusive use of registrants of regulatory colleges, are a central and critical public protection element of Manitoba’s health professions regulatory framework.
"Reserved titles afford a means for consumers to identify the different types of health care providers, to distinguish the qualified from the unqualified and to differentiate those practitioners who are regulated from those who are not. Titles must adequately serve the public in describing the practitioner and the services being provided and must distinguish the practitioner from others performing services outside the jurisdiction of the regulatory body. The Seaton Commission explained that while it may not be in the public interest to maintain exclusive scopes of practice, it may be appropriate to grant an exclusive (reserved) title to a health profession so the public will know that the professional with whom they are dealing is regulated by a college and is therefore qualified and subject to disciplinary processes for incompetent, impaired or unethical practice."
Section 12.1 of the Health Professions Act expressly prohibits a person other than a registrant of a regulatory college from using a reserved title, an abbreviation of the title or an equivalent of the title in another language to describe the person’s work, in association with or as part of another title describing the person’s work, or in association with a description of the person’s work. Some very limited exceptions to this prohibition are permitted.
If you know of any unliscensed professional claiming to provide "therapy" services please read the following:
Unlicensed practice may be defined as a person claiming to perform activities of a licensed healthcare professional such as Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Social Worker, and/or Occupational Therapy. When you become aware of unlicensed practice in your province (or another) as a licensed healthcare professional you are ethically* required to report this activity. The best way is to contact that province’s Professional Licensing Board.
The best process is to:
1. Look up the Professional Licensing Board website for the profession the person is claiming to perform.
2. Verify the license status of the individual you are researching. Is the license current, expired, or unlicensed?
3. Next find the location on the site to “File a Complaint”.
4. Find the “Forms” section. You may need to print a form and mail it, or file electronically: this varies by province.
5. Complete the form using as much detail as possible. If the unlicensed practice has a website or Facebook page promoting the unlicensed activity, take a screenshot for your records. You may need to provide a copy to the Licensing Board, as well.
6. Most complaint forms may be completed anonymously, however, this makes the complaint hard to track.
7. The province may choose to investigate.
Reserved titles, prescribed under section 12 of the Health Professions Act as being for the exclusive use of registrants of regulatory colleges, are a central and critical public protection element of Manitoba’s health professions regulatory framework.
"Reserved titles afford a means for consumers to identify the different types of health care providers, to distinguish the qualified from the unqualified and to differentiate those practitioners who are regulated from those who are not. Titles must adequately serve the public in describing the practitioner and the services being provided and must distinguish the practitioner from others performing services outside the jurisdiction of the regulatory body. The Seaton Commission explained that while it may not be in the public interest to maintain exclusive scopes of practice, it may be appropriate to grant an exclusive (reserved) title to a health profession so the public will know that the professional with whom they are dealing is regulated by a college and is therefore qualified and subject to disciplinary processes for incompetent, impaired or unethical practice."
Section 12.1 of the Health Professions Act expressly prohibits a person other than a registrant of a regulatory college from using a reserved title, an abbreviation of the title or an equivalent of the title in another language to describe the person’s work, in association with or as part of another title describing the person’s work, or in association with a description of the person’s work. Some very limited exceptions to this prohibition are permitted.
If you know of any unliscensed professional claiming to provide "therapy" services please read the following:
Unlicensed practice may be defined as a person claiming to perform activities of a licensed healthcare professional such as Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Social Worker, and/or Occupational Therapy. When you become aware of unlicensed practice in your province (or another) as a licensed healthcare professional you are ethically* required to report this activity. The best way is to contact that province’s Professional Licensing Board.
The best process is to:
1. Look up the Professional Licensing Board website for the profession the person is claiming to perform.
2. Verify the license status of the individual you are researching. Is the license current, expired, or unlicensed?
3. Next find the location on the site to “File a Complaint”.
4. Find the “Forms” section. You may need to print a form and mail it, or file electronically: this varies by province.
5. Complete the form using as much detail as possible. If the unlicensed practice has a website or Facebook page promoting the unlicensed activity, take a screenshot for your records. You may need to provide a copy to the Licensing Board, as well.
6. Most complaint forms may be completed anonymously, however, this makes the complaint hard to track.
7. The province may choose to investigate.
Certification bodies
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