What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a medical treatment and specialized form of physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy that uses the horse's unique movement as a tool in treatment plans to achieve functional goals and outcomes.
Hippotherapy sessions are led and directed by certified and specifically trained therapists who use medical quality movements of the horse to achieve specific therapeutic goals to help people with various physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
Our certified and specifically trained therapists use the medial quality movement of the horse to address client challenges, to improve various skills and abilities, and to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
This therapy does not teach riding skills; rather the goals are geared towards independence with activities of daily living and increased participation in family, school, and community life.
According to the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), "The term 'hippotherapy' refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine (horse) movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes. Best practice dictates that occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals integrate hippotherapy into the patient’s plan of care, along with other therapy tools and/or strategies."
Hippotherapy is:
How does the horse's movement help?
The movement of the horse creates a multi-sensory experience that is controlled by a skilled and trained horse handler under the direction of the therapist. The three-dimensional movement (rhythmic, complex motions of flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation of the vertebral column) from the horse's movement creates a pattern that is similar to normal walking in the client. This movement cannot be duplicated in traditional clinical settings.
In response to the horse's movement, the patient makes improvements with balance, strength, coordination, and postural control. In addition, the horse’s rhythmic movement and client’s position on the horse can be changed. This provides specific and regulating input to balance, hearing, visual, skin and joint sensory receptors. Once regulated, clients are able to interact with their environment and have improved attention and communication.
Improvements in all of these areas can result in increased independence with activities such as walking, dressing, and playing.
Contact the office to see if hippotherapy is recommended for your child.
Hippotherapy sessions are led and directed by certified and specifically trained therapists who use medical quality movements of the horse to achieve specific therapeutic goals to help people with various physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
Our certified and specifically trained therapists use the medial quality movement of the horse to address client challenges, to improve various skills and abilities, and to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
This therapy does not teach riding skills; rather the goals are geared towards independence with activities of daily living and increased participation in family, school, and community life.
According to the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), "The term 'hippotherapy' refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine (horse) movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes. Best practice dictates that occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals integrate hippotherapy into the patient’s plan of care, along with other therapy tools and/or strategies."
Hippotherapy is:
- Not just riding:
Unlike regular horseback riding, hippotherapy focuses on the therapeutic benefits of the horse's movement, not the riding itself. - Therapist-led:
A certified and specifically trained therapist, such as a physical, occupational, or speech therapist, directs the session and uses the horse's movements to achieve specific therapeutic goals. - Passive participation:
The client sits on the horse and passively interacts with its movements, responding to the rhythm and motion, they do not ride. - Various applications:
Hippotherapy can be used to address a wide range of issues, including balance, coordination, muscle strength, sensory processing, and even cognitive skills. - Unique approach:
The horse's natural gait and movement mimic human walking, providing a natural and dynamic way to engage the body and mind.
How does the horse's movement help?
The movement of the horse creates a multi-sensory experience that is controlled by a skilled and trained horse handler under the direction of the therapist. The three-dimensional movement (rhythmic, complex motions of flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation of the vertebral column) from the horse's movement creates a pattern that is similar to normal walking in the client. This movement cannot be duplicated in traditional clinical settings.
In response to the horse's movement, the patient makes improvements with balance, strength, coordination, and postural control. In addition, the horse’s rhythmic movement and client’s position on the horse can be changed. This provides specific and regulating input to balance, hearing, visual, skin and joint sensory receptors. Once regulated, clients are able to interact with their environment and have improved attention and communication.
Improvements in all of these areas can result in increased independence with activities such as walking, dressing, and playing.
Contact the office to see if hippotherapy is recommended for your child.
Learn more about Hippotherapy on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
