Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a strategy in which the unique movements of a horse are incorporated with physical, occupational and speech therapy in order to engage a patient’s sensorimotor and neuromotor systems to promote functional change in various skills. Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) certifies our therapists and requires that both they and the farm maintain the highest standards for safety. Our therapists use evidence-based practice and their clinical experience to customize each session in a manner that is integrated with our students’ overarching plan of care. In a hippotherapy session, the horse partners with the therapist to use targeted activities and achieve specific goals for the rider. Students receiving hippotherapy have the assistance of two to four volunteers that help guide the horse and provide stabilization and assistance to the rider as needed. Riding independently is not an inherent goal of hippotherapy but some of our students reach this place and also engage in therapeutic riding.
What are the benefits of Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy has been shown to create statistically significant changes in posture, strength, flexibility, muscle symmetry, and a number of other benefits. The unique combination of the horse, the horse’s movement and a non-clinical environment produces an extraordinary effort on all the systems of the body and allows children to achieve their goals in a fun way.
Are there any requirements to participate in Hippotherapy?
Riders must be 2 years of age.
We currently have a Speech Pathologist who is certified to do Hippotherapy, so the rider must qualify for speech.
How does Hippotherapy work?
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Physical therapists incorporate the horse’s multi-dimensional movement to achieve gait training, balance, postural/core control, and strengthening and range of motion goals.
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Occupational therapists use the horse’s movement to improve motor control, coordination, balance, attention, sensory processing and performance in daily tasks. The therapist incorporates the movement of the horse to engage the sensory system in preparation for a therapy treatment goal that leads to a functional activity.
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Speech Pathologists use the horses to accomplish traditional speech, language, cognitive and swallowing goals. Children with speech deficits learn to vocalize because they must give commands to the horse, which builds confidence and strengthens speech clarity.
Have Questions About Hippotherapy?
Email us at Office@ButterflyDreamsFarm.org
to find out more!