Hippotherapy is an occupational therapy treatment strategy which uses the movement of a horse to provide graded sensory and motor input and helps to improve sensory processing, motor functioning, adaptive responses and neurological functioning.

Why a horse?

1. The horse’s walk provides sensory input through movement which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive
2. The movement of the horse’s pelvis while walking is identical that of the human with centimeters; while riding a horse, the same groups of muscles are activated in the child which are used during walking
3. Clients create a bond with the animal and respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable experience

Therapeutic Benefits include:

1. Improved balance
2. Postural and trunk control
3. Functional mobility
4. Vestibular input (movement & gravity)
5. Proprioception (body awareness)
6. Tactile (sense of touch)
7. Psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions
8. Improved articulation and language

Who can hippotherapy benefit?

It can benefit individuals with a variety of diagnoses, including:

1. Cerebral Palsy
2. Multiple Sclerosis
3. Developmental Delay
4. Traumatic Brain Injury
5. Stroke
6. Autism
7. Learning/Language Disabilities

Each potential client must be evaluated on an individual basis as hippotherapy is not for every client.