Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy treatment strategy that uses equine movement in the treatment plan to achieve functional outcomes. 

The therapist uses the movement of the horse to address the patient’s challenges, such as deficits in balance, strength, endurance, coordination, communication, and attention.
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​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.

How does the horse's movement help?

The movement of the horse creates a multi-sensory experience that is controlled by a skilled horse handler under the direction of the therapist. The three-dimensional movement from the horse's movement creates a pattern that is similar to normal walking in the patient. 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 patient’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, patients are able to interact with their environment and have improved attention and communication.
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Improvements in all of these areas can result in increased independence with activities such as:
​ walking, dressing and playing.

Stable Connections
52016 Mun 26 E Lorette MB R5K0W4
(204)-806-1618
[email protected]
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