Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. From the Greek word hippos, meaning horse, the term hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the horse.” Hippotherapy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.
In hippotherapy, the patient engages in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. The therapist addresses the specific functional goals of the patient by having him or her ride in different positions such as sitting or laying forwards, backwards or sideways; standing in the stirrups; or riding without using the hands. The patient may also be asked to stretch, reach or play games while on the horse. The therapist continuously analyzes the patient’s response and adjusts the horse’s movement accordingly for optimum treatment benefits.
Safety is of primary importance. In addition to the hippotherapy-credentialed therapist, a specially trained handler leads the horse during the treatment session, and sidewalkers on each side of the horse ensure the patient’s safety.
The horses used in hippotherapy are also specially selected and trained. At Nature’s Edge we have a variety of horses available to use in hippotherapy. This enables us to match each patient with an appropriate horse in terms of size, pace, gait and character.
Impairments that may be modified with hippotherapy include:
- Abnormal tone
- Impaired balance responses
- Impaired coordination
- Impaired communication
- Impaired cognitive function
- Impaired sensory processing function
- Postural asymmetry
- Poor postural control
- Decreased mobility
The primary medical conditions for which hippotherapy may be indicated are:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Stroke
- Developmental delay
- Down syndrome
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Learning or language disabilities
However, hippotherapy is not for every patient. Our specially trained therapists will evaluate each potential hippotherapy patient on an individual basis.