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Therapeutic Riding Program
American Hippotherapy Association
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the
horse; from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Specially
trained physical, occupational and speech therapists use this medical treatment
for clients who have movement dysfunction. Historically, the therapeutic
benefits of the horse were recognized as early as 460 BC. The use of the horse
as therapy evolved throughout Europe, the United States and Canada.
Hippotherapy uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to the client.
Treatment takes place in a controlled environment where graded sensory input can
elicit appropriate adaptive responses from the client. Specific riding skills
are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), but rather a foundation is
established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This
foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.
Why the Horse?
The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement which is variable,
rhythmic and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the client are
similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. The variability
of the horse's gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input
to the client, then use this movement in combination with other clinical
treatments to achieve desired results. Clients respond enthusiastically to this
enjoyable learning experience in a natural setting.
Physically, hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, mobility and function.
Hippotherapy may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and
communication functions for clients of all ages. Clients who may benefit from
hippotherapy can have a variety of diagnoses: examples include Cerebral Palsy,
Multiple Sclerosis, Developmental Delay, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Autism
and Learning or Language Disabilities. However, hippotherapy is not for every
client. Each potential client must be evaluated on an individual basis by
specially trained health professionals.
More about the American Hippotherapy Association
Formed in 1993, the American Hippotherapy Association's mission is to promote
research, education and communication among physical and occupational therapists
and others using the horse in a treatment approach based on principles of
classic hippotherapy. Registered therapists in hippotherapy are located
throughout the United States and Canada.
American Hippotherapy Association
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