HIPPOTHERAPY

What is Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is a form of treatment offered by Physical, Occupational, and Speech/Language Therapists that uses the natural movement of horses to achieve therapy goals that help those with special needs develop their abilities and increase their independence. The motion of the horse transfers through the riders body to cause physical responses that stimulate posture control, balance, and motor and sensory systems. Whatever goals the therapist has set for the patient can be reached by modifying the horses movements and playing a variety of games using props such as balls, drawing tablets, dolls, flags, Mr. Potato Head, etc. all on horseback. As their abilities allow, the patients may also participate in before and after grooming and care of the horses. The interaction between patient and animal results in an exciting, fun-filled experience more like an adventurous outing than a therapy session.

 

Who is Hippotherapy for?

Hippotherapy can benefit persons with any number of physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Some diagnoses that horse therapy is used to treat are Down syndrome, Autism, ADD/ADHD, Muscular Dystrophy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, and Multiple Sclerosis.

 

What are the benefits?

Profound success has been recorded as result of Hippotherapy treatment. Not only has it been known to improve balance, circulation, posture, motor skills, flexibility, digestion, respiration, and muscle tone; but also to result in increased self esteem, motivation, speech and language skills, sensory processing, social skills, responsiveness and adaptability. Much enthusiasm has been generated over the astounding benefits of horse therapy. The regimen is recognized as creating an overall improvement in well being, performance, and quality of life.

 

Is this available in our area?

In our association with Main Street Warren in building the V.I.P. we had the fortune to work with Dawn E. Speece P.T. Dawn, as it turns out, runs a Hippotherapy program nearby. She has kindly agreed to hold an open house for PDF. We have set a date in the Spring of 2010. Come see what the fun is all about! Check our Play Date schedule for more information.