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Hippotherapy
Horseback
Riding Therapy
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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.
(Information courtesy of
the American Hippotherapy Association)
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American
Hippotherapy Association
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Back in the Saddle
Hippotherapy
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Family Village Horseback Riding and Hippotherapy
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Magic Moments
Riding Therapy - Missouri
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North American Riding
for the Handicapped Association
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O.A.T.S. - Michigan
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Personal Ponies
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