What is Hippotherapy?

The word "hippotherapy" comes from the Greek word, "hippo", meaning "horse". Hippotherapy is treatment with the help of a horse.  (Hippopotamus is Greek for "river horse".)

Specially trained physical, occupational, speech, and assistant therapists use this treatment approach to achieve functional outcomes.

  Why a horse?

The unique combination of the horse, the horse's movement, and non-clinical environment produces an extraordinary effort on all systems of the body.  The therapists can modify the horse's movement to promote specific responses within the individual.  Therefore, it is a treatment approach that uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to the individual and specifically addresses their goals.  Besides, what's more enjoyable than receiving therapy on the back of a horse?!

  What are the benefits?

-  Motor skills and coordination
-  Muscle tone
-  Head and trunk control
-  Posture
-  Strength
-  Balance and symmetry
-  Joint mobility
-  Sensory integration
-  Communication skills
-  Cardiovascular endurance
-  Relief from pain and muscle spasms
-  Circulation
-  Psychological, cognitive, and behavioral function

  Who can participate?

Individuals (2 years and older) with a variety of diagnoses such as:

-  Celebral Palsy
-  Spinal Bifida
-  Down syndrome
-  Traumatic Brain Injury
-  Stroke
-  Autism
-  Developmental Delay
-  Sensory Integration Dysfunction
-  Scoliosis
-  Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
-  Learning and Language disabilities
-  Multiple Sclerosis