Hippotherapy- A Tool for Treatment
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy refers to how therapists use equine movement as a treatment tool to address goals in your child’s plan of care. Just like using our medical equipment for treatment in the clinic, equine use has been proven to be an effective tool!
It is important to note that Hippotherapy is integrated as a part of the standard OT, PT, & SLP sessions and is not a separate program or form of treatment!
Check out this video from the American Hippotherapy Association!
Who Can Participate?
While some exclusions exist to maintain the safety of the child and the horse, most children will qualify and benefit from the integration of Hippotherapy!
What Therapists Can Implement Hippotherapy?
Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists can use horses as a treatment tool during your child’s session to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems and promote function outcomes aligning with their scope of practice and your child’s goals!
Why a Horse?
Horses provide dynamic movement and a multi-sensory experience that helps individuals with a variety of conditions to improve motor skills, balance, coordination, and overall physical and emotional health.
At Total Pediatrics, we incorporate the unique benefits of hippotherapy into our therapeutic approach to enhance neuromotor development and support a wide range of functional improvements. The average horse walks at about 100 steps per minute, delivering up to 2,500 neuromotor inputs during a typical 15-25minute session. These rhythmic movements mimic human gait, providing an unparalleled opportunity for complex motor learning and strengthening key systems that support walking, talking, and fine motor skills.
When integrated into occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language therapy, hippotherapy becomes a powerful tool for improving muscle coordination, sensory processing, and attention to tasks. Not only does it positively impact physical function, but it also boosts motivation, social-emotional well-being, and active participation in therapy. Combined with other therapeutic strategies, hippotherapy supports better outcomes in children facing neuromotor, cognitive, and communication challenges.
