equine movement as a therapy tool

The American Hippotherapy Association defines Hippotherapy as, “how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes.”

In short, a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech and language pathologist, can purposely use specific equine movements to incite desired responses from the rider (patient). This type of skilled therapy can be used as a tool in helping a wide range of issues

When used as a tool within a patient’s plan of care, hippotherapy can be used to address a wide range of challenge. Issues with balance, coordinated movement, motor planning, strength, tone, and more, can be improved when working with a therapist who specializes in this tool.

Common medical conditions for which treatment that integrates hippotherapy may be beneficial includes:

• Balance/vestibular issues
• Pelvic floor strengthening 
• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke recovery 
• Developmental delay
• Autism disorder 
• Down syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Learning or language disabilities

While working towards a patient’s goal, the treating therapist will plan specific equine movements for each session. A patient will sit astride a horse, while the therapist walks along side to facilitate therapy and aid the patient. A professional horse handler is responsible for providing optimal equine movement during the session.