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Hippotherapy
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What is the difference between hippotherapy and therapeutic riding? What are the benefits of Hippotherapy? Who can benefit from Hippotherapy? |
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Hippotherapy is a term used to describe the movement of a horse as part of a treatment strategy when used by physical, occupational, and speech therapists. The word hippotherapy comes from the Greek word "hippos" meaning horse. Hippotherapy requires a prescription from a physician.
The natural movement of the horse is used to help individuals increase their functional abilities. The horse’s movement translates through the person, causing many parts of the body to do work. This response is sometimes achieved without the person’s awareness of their effort. The therapist can modify the horse's movement to promote specific responses within the person. This approach to treatment uses meaningful activities and specific goals, while providing the individual with a joyful experience, in a natural setting. Why a horse? The horse’s pelvis moves in the same three ways as a human pelvis does. This creates a movement pattern similar to human walking. The horse also provides sensory input which impacts the person's vestibular, tactile, and proprioceptive systems. A foundation for the development of sensorimotor abilities is established. Therefore, motor planning abilities are promoted.
What is the difference in Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding? Many people question the difference between therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. The term therapeutic riding is used to describe the recreational aspect of riding. As a recreational activity, riding skills are instructed. Hippotherapy is a medical treatment. During a hippotherapy session, therapeutic goals are addressed to increase neuromuscular function.
What are the benefits of Hippotherapy? Hippotherapy improves:
Who can benefit from Hippotherapy? Individuals approximately 2 years of age and older can benefit from hippotherapy. They can have a variety of diagnoses including:
How can your child participate in Hippotherapy? If you are interested in your child beginning hippotherapy, please contact us. You will need to have your child’s physician sign a specific medical history form and a prescription requesting physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy. We would be glad to send you the required paperwork and then schedule your child as quickly as possible.
Hippotherapy is provided at: Adventurous Kids Equestrian Center, which is located at 2420 John Petree Road, in Powder Springs. Cameron Shanes Farm, which is located at 4531 Due West Road, in Kennesaw. Falcon Ridge Stables, which is located at 347 Arnold Mill Road, in Woodstock.
Volunteers are relied upon for each hippotherapy session. Volunteer duties include: Side walker - The side walker is responsible for assisting the client with balance and safety during the hippotherapy session. The side walker also assists the therapist with games and activities. With the assistance of the side walker, the client is able to maximize his/her potential during each session. One or two side walkers are needed for each therapy session. Horse Leader - The horse leader is an experienced horse handler responsible for guiding the horse's movement during the hippotherapy session, as directed by the therapist.Volunteers can also assist with grooming, tacking, and other aspects of animal welfare. Volunteer training sessions are held regularly. For more information, please contact: Lyn Cocksedge, Program Director for Adventurous Kids Equestrian Center and Cameron Shanes Farm, at (770) 365-7216. Annette Crenshaw, Program Director for Falcon Ridge Stable, at (678) 445-8812, (678) 923-1088 (cell).
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