Hippotherapy

In the hippotherapy environment, a therapist uses the horse's movement to provide carefully graded sensory input. A foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing, which can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. Unlike in therapeutic horseback riding where specific riding skills are taught, in hippotherapy the movement of the horse is a means to a treatment goal. Adults and children with disabilities can improve their posture, muscle tone, coordination, balance, and motor development.

The horse's movement provides physical and sensory input, which is variable, but also rhythmic and repetitive. The variability of the horse's gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of input to the patient, then utilize this movement in combination with other treatment strategies to achieve desired results. In addition, the three-dimensional movement of the horse's pelvis leads to a movement response in the patient's pelvis which is similar to the movement patterns of walking. A foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing, which can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. Hippotherapy can only be provided by a licensed physical therapist, speech therapist or occupational therapist. Hippotherapy comes from the Greek roots hippo-, meaning horse, and therapy (accessed from Wikipedia.org).

Therapeutic Riding Lessons

Therapeutic horseback riding, also known as equine-assisted therapy, is for individuals with a range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social special needs. There are several different kinds of programs that utilize horses and horseback riding for therapeutic benefits. Equine-assisted activities, including therapeutic riding, driving, and vaulting are not therapy but sport and recreational activities that have therapeutic value. Therapeutic riding is usually most effective in children because of the nature of mental, and social development. However, equine-assisted activities produce very favorable improvements in riders of all ages.

Therapeutic riding is considered an animal-assisted activity. As with animal-assisted therapy, the contact with another living being and the special bond people form with animals is used as a therapeutic tool. However, horses provide more than just skills acquired from a relationship with an animal or learning to care for an animal. Riding a horse provides a unique and often profound activity for many people. The motion of the horse, concentration needed to acquire riding skills, and the communication between instructor and rider allow people with a variety of disabilities to benefit from riding.

Riding, like many other therapeutic approaches, can also be considered a form of recreational therapy. That is, because riding is an enjoyable activity for many people, therapeutic riding is also used as a quality-of-life activity for people with degenerative diseases as well as a 'fun activity' for children and adults. Riding is a rapidly growing field with much diversification. Horseback riding has been recognized by many medical professionals and therapists as a very effective physical activity for many people (accessed from Wikipedia.org).