Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input. A foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing, which can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. Unlike therapeutic horseback riding (where specific riding skills are taught), the movement of the horse is a means to a treatment goal when utilizing hippotherapy as a treatment strategy. Hippotherapy has been used to treat patients with neurological or other disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, head injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, behavioral disorders, and psychiatric disorders

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech therapy that utilizes the natural gait and movement of a horse to provide motor and sensory input. It is based on the improvement of neurologic functions, and sensory processes, and is used for patients with physical, and mental disorders. Especially, in paralyzed individuals it contributes to physical rehabilitation programs.

It’s all about movement. The horse’s pelvis shares the same three-dimensional planes as the human pelvis. This movement is multi-dimensional and provides a system-wide impact. Receiving the movement transmitted by the horse’s pelvis helps the kiddos develop physical skills essential for daily life.

In short: The dynamic movement of the horse combined with the dynamic environment leads to functional change.
By applying different combinations of patterns, speeds, and riding postures, our highly-trained therapists are able to provide precisely the sensory and neurological input each child will benefit from.