Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movementHippotherapy is utilized 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. In the controlled hippotherapy environment, the therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sensory input. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic horseback riding); but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.

How does the horse help?

The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement, which is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the patient are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. The variability of the horse's gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the patient, and then utilize this movement in combination with other treatment strategies to achieve desired results. Patients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable experience in a natural setting.

What does hippotherapy help with?

Gross motor skills such as sitting, standing, walking

Speech and language abilities

Behavioral and cognitive abilities

Medical conditions for which hippotherapy is indicated

The primary medical conditions, which may manifest some or all of the above problems and may be indications for hippotherapy, are listed below. However, hippotherapy is not for every patient. Specially trained health professionals must evaluate each potential patient on an individual basis.

Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Vascular Accident (stroke) Developmental Delay Down Syndrome Functional Spinal Curvature Learning or language disabilities Multiple Sclerosis Sensory Integrative Dysfunction Traumatic Brain Injury

Learn more

American Hippotherapy Association