Hippotherapy

What is hippotherapy?

The word "hippotherapy" comes from the Greek word, "hippo", meaning "horse". Hippotherapy is treatment with the help of a horse. (Hippopotamus is Greek for "river horse".)

Specially trained physical, occupational, speech, and assistant therapists use this treatment approach to achieve functional outcomes.

Why a horse?

The unique combination of the horse, the horse's movement, and non-clinical environment produces an extraordinary effort on all systems of the body. The therapists can modify the horse's movement to promote specific responses within the individual. Therefore, it is a treatment approach that uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to the individual and specifically addresses their goals. Besides, what's more enjoyable than receiving therapy on the back of a horse?!

What are the benefits?

Motor skills and coordination
Muscle tone
Head and trunk control
Posture
Strength
Balance and symmetry
Joint mobility
Sensory integration
Communication skills
Cardiovascular endurance
Relief from pain and muscle spasms
Circulation
Psychological, cognitive, and behavioral function

Who can participate?

Individuals (2 years and older) with a variety of diagnoses such as:

Celebral Palsy
Spinal Bifida
Down syndrome
Traumatic Brain Injury
Stroke
Autism
Developmental Delay
Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Scoliosis
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Learning and Language disabilities
Multiple Sclerosis

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