Hippotherapy

 Why the Horse?

The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement, which is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the patient 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 patient, and then utilize this movement in combination with other treatment strategies to achieve desired results. Patients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable experience in a natural setting.

How does Hippotherapy work?

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 that 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. Individuals approximately 2 years of age and older can benefit from hippotherapy.

They can have a variety of diagnoses including: Impairments that may be modified with hippotherapy are:

• Abnormal tone
  

• Impaired balance responses

• Impaired coordination
  

• Impaired communication
  

• Impaired sensorimotor function
  

• Postural asymmetry
  

• Poor postural control
  

• Decreased mobility
  

• Limbic system function related to arousal, motivation, and attention Medical Conditions

The primary medical conditions, which may manifest some or all of the above problems and may be indications for hippotherapy, are listed below. However, hippotherapy is not for every patient. Specially trained health professionals must evaluate each potential patient on an individual basis.

• Cerebral Palsy

• Cerebral Vascular Accident (stroke)
  

• Developmental Delay

• Down Syndrome
  

• Functional Spinal Curvature
  

• Learning or language disabilities
  

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Sensory Integrative Dysfunction 

Traumatic Brain Injury Functional limitations relating to the following general areas may be improved with hippotherapy:

• Gross motor skills such as sitting, standing, walking
  

• Speech and language abilities

• Behavioral and cognitive abilities

What is the difference between Therapeutic Assisted Riding and Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy is utilized as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.

In hippotherapy, the patient engages in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled hippotherapy environment, the therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sensory input. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic horseback riding); but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.

Therapeutic Riding, also known, as Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Facilitated Therapy, and Riding for the Disabled, is the use of the horse and equine-oriented activities to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals, including cognitive, physical, emotional, social, educational and behavioral goals without a Licensed Physical Therapist. Therapeutic riding is practiced in some form in most countries in the world. Great Britain formed the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) program initially to promote competition and equine sports for the disabled. Germany and Switzerland have been in the forefront of developing and establishing Hippotherapy as a medical model of equine-assisted therapy.

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) in the United States puts forward a model that incorporates therapy, education, sport, and recreation/leisure activities.

• At some centers, the emphasis is on learning riding skills and using these skills for recreational or sport purposes. These would include trail riding, driving, vaulting and competition.
  

• An emphasis on education and/or psycho/social development usually includes educational, behavioral, social, and emotional growth. Specific goals in these areas are incorporated in the standard riding lesson.
  

• The therapeutic/medical model integrates principles of medical and/or psychological development into various uses of the horse. In this case, the use of medical practitioners such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech therapists and others become an important part of the program. A specialized form of therapy called Hippotherapy is sometimes employed by physical, occupational and speech therapists who are trained in this area.
  

• Many centers use an integrated approach, involving all three of the above approaches. Most centers, as well, use a team approach to therapeutic riding. The team consists of some or all of the following: riding instructors, volunteers, educational specialists, behavioral specialists, and medical professionals.
  

The Benefits of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding

• From the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination and self-assurance while receiving therapeutic muscle stimulation.

• As a result of carefully planned lessons, poise posture, strength and flexibility improve.
  

• A strong sense of responsibility develops as the rider learns to take part in the care of the horses and equipment.
  

• Advanced equestrian skills, teamwork and cooperation are learned as the rider becomes independent on horseback.
  

• Classes, horse shows and events encourage confidence, self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment as new levels of expertise and new goals are met.

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For more information on Hippotherapy and therapeutic riding programs go to:

The American Hippotherapy Association Inc. (AHA Inc.) http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intnl.) www.pathintl.org