What is Hippotherapy?

At a Glance

Hippotherapy is a treatment tool used by occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists that utilizes the movement of a horse to achieve therapeutic goals. This treatment can positively impact functional outcomes by engaging the sensory, neuromuscular, cognitive, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems in a way that typical therapy environments cannot duplicate.

How It Works

When a horse walks, it creates a motion similar to a human pelvis.  The side to side movement and back and forth movements is used to improve balance and posture and builds strength and endurance. 

Depending on the position of the rider, this technique can also positively impact the patient's vestibular (spatial orientation) and proprioceptive (body awarenss) systems and allow for improved self regulation/calmness. 

Wheelchair bound patients, when sitting for long periods of time, can experience significant muscle  tightness and contractures.  By placing the client in various positions on the horse, it stretches muscles that over time can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase functional outcomes. Using bareback pads can also add to this benefit by allowing the patient to feel the movement of the horse better than a saddle and also allows them to benefit from the warmth of the horse.