Cowboy Up Therapies

Hippotherapy refers to the incorporation of equine movement by physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech language pathology professionals in treatment.

These professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement to engage the sensorimotor and neuromotor systems to create functional change in their patient. Used with other neuromotor and sensorimotor techniques, hippotherapy is part of a patient’s integrated plan of care.

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.

For more information on hippo therapy, please visit www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org