Hippotherapy
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy comes from the Greek word “Hippo” meaning “horse”. It is a type of therapy that uses the natural movement of the horse to help children with disabilities gain awareness, communication, strength, mobility, balance and coordination.
In Hippotherapy, the horse influences the client rather than the client controlling the horse. The client is positioned on the horse and actively responds to his movement. The therapist directs the movement of the horse; analyzes the client s responses; and adjusts the treatment accordingly. This strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. Only Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists can perform this type of trained therapy.
Physical Therapists: The physical therapist can overlay a variety of motor tasks on the horse's movement to address the motor needs of each patient and to promote functional outcomes in skill areas related to gross motor ability such as sitting, standing, and walking. Our physical therapist, Brad Allen, is contracted through Allen Therapies, Inc. Allen Therapies, Inc. is an American Hippotherapy Association member.
An Introduction to Hippotherapy
History of Hippotherapy
Present Use of Hippotherapy
Horse Power
