top of page

The Full Story

What is Hippotherapy?

IMG_5779.jpg

Harnessing Horsepower

Hippotherapy is a medical treatment strategy that utilizes the horse as a treatment tool for individuals with functional impairments. The term “hippotherapy” is derived from the Greek word “hippos”, which means horse. Unlike recreational horseback riding, hippotherapy is conducted by licensed and specially trained healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists, who incorporate the movement of the horse into their patients' comprehensive treatment plans.

The rhythmic repetitive movement of the horse encourages the use of the patient’s core muscles to improve posture, balance, and stability, and acts as a neuromotor template in the development of motor function. The horse's movement can also have positive effects on sensory processing, helping patients to meet their sensory threshold for improved awareness and responsiveness to intervention. Therapists can use the horse’s movement to address specific functional goals, such as improving fine motor skills, coordination, and communication.

Home-carousel-06_edited.jpg
20240507_180431.jpg

Hippotherapy is utilized at the discretion of the therapist as a treatment strategy within therapy sessions for individuals with a variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, neurological disorders, and sensory processing disorders. The goal is to harness the therapeutic benefits of the horse's movement to promote overall well-being and functional improvement in patients.

 

It is important to note that hippotherapy should always be conducted by trained and certified professionals who have completed specific training through the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. The therapy takes place under close supervision, and safety measures are implemented to ensure the well-being of both the patient and horse.

 

Here at Red Barn, our occupational therapists follow PATH International standards. This means that we have been trained and operate at the highest levels of safety and ethics to ensure that we possess the necessary skills to help you achieve your goals.

bottom of page