Equine-Assisted Therapy

Hippotherapy is a unique therapeutic technique that incorporates the movement of a horse into Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) treatment plans. Unlike adaptive riding, which focuses on teaching riding skills, hippotherapy uses the horse’s natural movement to improve various aspects of motor, sensory, and communication functions. Led by licensed therapists, hippotherapy is designed to meet individual therapeutic goals.

What is Hippotherapy?

Why Horses?

A horse’s gait mimics the natural movement of walking, providing rhythm and sensory input that can help improve:

  • Balance

  • Strength

  • Coordination

  • Postural Control

  • The movement and environment also stimulate sensory and neurological systems that can enhance speech and language skills.

  • Interacting with horses can motivate clients to engage more fully in therapy, leading to better outcomes.

  • Hippotherapy is a powerful tool in OT, focusing on improving:

    • Sensory Integration: The rhythmic movement of the horse provides rich sensory input, helping regulate sensory processing.

    • Fine & Gross Motor Skills: Activities like grooming the horse or tossing a ball while riding develop motor planning and coordination.

    • Attention and Cognitive Skills: The dynamic environment enhances attention, sequencing, and task completion.

    • Self-Regulation & Emotional Growth: Interacting with a horse fosters emotional connection, self-esteem, and confidence.

    Goals in OT:

    • Enhancing fine motor skills for tasks such as grasping and manipulating objects.

    • Improving daily living skills through better coordination.

    • Fostering self-awareness, sensory regulation, and social engagement.

  • Hippotherapy is highly effective in PT for improving:

    • Core Strength & Postural Control: The horse's movement encourages engagement of core muscles and balance maintenance.

    • Coordination & Gait Training: Riding simulates walking movements, aiding in developing gait patterns.

    • Range of Motion & Flexibility: Multidirectional movements stretch and strengthen muscles.

    • Balance & Stability: Enhances body awareness and stability, crucial for those with balance disorders.

    Goals in PT:

    • Strengthening muscles for improved mobility.

    • Supporting rehabilitation after injury or surgery.

    • Enhancing coordination and motor planning for physical tasks.

  • Hippotherapy is valuable tool in SLP for improving:

    • Communication Skills: The dynamic setting encourages the use of verbal and non-verbal communication to interact with the horse and therapist.

    • Coordination & Gait Training: Riding simulates walking movements, aiding in developing gait patterns.

    • Range of Motion & Flexibility: Multidirectional movements stretch and strengthen muscles.

    • Balance & Stability: Enhances body awareness and stability, crucial for those with balance disorders.

    Goals in PT:

    • Strengthening muscles for improved mobility.

    • Supporting rehabilitation after injury or surgery.

    • Enhancing coordination and motor planning for physical tasks.

How to Get Started:

Referral: Consult your Doctor, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, or Speech-Language Pathologist to see if Hippotherapy is appropriate for you.

Evaluation: Our licensed therapists will assess your needs and create a personalized treatment plan incorporating Hippotherapy.

Sessions: Therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes long, conducted in a safe environment with trained horses and therapists.

FAQ

Is Hippotherapy safe? 

Yes, all sessions are led by licensed therapists trained in Hippotherapy. Safety measures like helmets and side walkers are always utilized.

Who can benefit from Hippotherapy? Individuals with:

Cerebral Palsy

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Sensory Processing Disorder

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Stroke recovery

Developmental delays

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Language and Speech Disorders

And many other conditions

Do I need riding experience? 

No prior horse experience is necessary. Hippotherapy focuses on therapeutic outcomes, not riding skills.

How do horses help with therapy? 

The horse’s movement provides rhythmic, repetitive motion that enhances physical, sensory, and neurological functions. Interaction with the horse also stimulates communication and cognitive processes beneficial in speech therapy.

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