Equine Assisted Therapy also known as Hippotherapy is a medical treatment such as OCCUPATIONAL, PHYSICAL and SPEECH THERAPY utilizing the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy to address functional goals.

PHYSICAL THERAPY treatments focus on developing balance by improving core stability to stay centered on the horse. Postural improvements occur as riders use their muscles to maintain an upright position on the moving surface. The movement of the horse influences movement of the pelvis and spine in a multi-dimensional pattern and positioning on the horse can help improve range of motion, strength, posture, and postural control.

• Improved gross motor skills 

• Trunk core strength 

• Control of extremities

• Improved postural symmetry 

• Reduced abnormal muscle tone

• Respiratory control

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY treatments focus on the movement of the horse and how it impacts the whole person, providing input that the therapist can alter to physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional systems to address daily living skills. The horse is incorporated into treatment through using movement, ground activities, and relationships with the horse.

COGNITIVE BENEFITS MAY INCLUDE:

• Increased ability to express thoughts and needs

• Improve understanding of visual cues 

• Visual coordination

• Sensory input 

• Tactile responses

• Improved attention

SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPY patients’ neurological systems responsible for speech and language skills are impacted by the movement of the horse.

BENEFITS MAY INCLUDE:

• Receptive, pragmatic and expressive language improvement 

• Stuttering improvement 

• Oral motor functioning

• Improved auditory processing

Studies show that hippotherapy is helpful with: Improving arousal, rapidly gaining attentional focus, and motivation to participate. Patient’s behavior difficulties are often managed positively by altering the horse’s movement. Improving coordination, timing of sufficient respiratory support for quantity of treatment target per intervention.

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS MAY INCLUDE:

• Improved self-esteem 

• Opportunities for social interactions 

• Increased enthusiasm with treatments 

• Enjoyable interactions with the horse

CLIENTS:

• Children age 3 years old and up / adults with a diagnosis such as

• Autism

• Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21

• Cognitive disabilities including brain and spine injuries

• Language and sensory processing disorders

• Developmental delays

• Genetic disorders

• Depression

RATES

• Barn fee of $55 paid by family. The therapist charges for the sessions directly to the client and these fees may be billable through insurance for partial or full reimbursement.

• Scholarships may be available for qualifying participants. Contact us for details.

THERAPISTS:

• Licensed occupational, physical, or speech therapist

OUR PARTNERS: