H I P P O T H E R A P Y
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Hippotherapy can benefit individuals who may have (but not limited to):-Cerebral Palsy
-Muscular Dystrophy -Sensory Motor Processing - Autism -Down Syndrome -neurological disabilities -Arthritis -multiple sclerosis -stroke -spinal cord/head injury -psychiatric disorders -behavioral disorders -fine/gross motor deficits Integration of Speech-Language Pathology:By riding a horse, the rider partakes in speech and language skills that they may have deficits in. Physiological systems that support language and speech functions such as swallowing can help develop these skills.
Patients instruct the horse to "walk on" or "stop" by using verbal instruction and communication followed by a physical action of tapping the horse or pulling on the reins. Enhances speech abilities in a different way. Rather than just sitting in an office for a session, patients are working with an animal and having fun. |
What is Hippotherapy?Hippotherapy combines occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology treatments using horseback-riding as part of a patient's care. It has been referred to as a therapy tool. Hippotherapy typically consists of one rider and one trainer/therapist. These sessions can activate key neuromotor systems that support function in the body. Skillfully applied equine movement, can offer the patient the opportunity for complex motor learning. Each session is customized to an individual's needs or intervention plan (it's not just horse-backriding)
Who can benefit?Anyone of all ages and genders can benefit from hippotherapy sessions especially if they need occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, and physical therapy. Hippotherapy targets specific areas of development that some individuals may lack and need support for.
HOW Hippotherapy Can Benefit:- strengthens motor planning, timing, and sequencing
-horse walking rhythm is similar to how a human walks, which can benefit individuals who need to develop the skills on how to walk, sit, stand up, etc. - refining balance and strength by having students sit, stand, and kneel on the horse -respiratory control -improve postural symmetry (sitting up tall and straight) -reduce abnormal muscle tone -core strength -improve gross motor skills - promoting language and sensory regulation -improving fine motor coordination -gaining self control and self confidence -improving concentration -gain equilibrium control Physical TherapyLarge motor skills are improved using big movements such as wide turns and squeezes of the hips, core, and pelvis. Balance and core strength are emphasized when patients sit up straight while also tightening their leg muscles. Patients can turn around on the horse's back, lay on their stomachs, or even sit backwards. Stability of the hip and pelvis muscles keep the rider balanced and in control. Physical goals from the individuals personal intervention plan can be achieved and focused on.
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What's the Difference Between Equine-Assisted Therapy and Hippotherapy?
Equine-assisted therapy consists of benefitting an individual's mental health in a horse stable setting where the individual takes care of the horse. Hippotherapy is an approach to physical therapy where the patient rides horses to address physical health. Both can be very beneficial depending on a patient's needs!
Videos on Hippotherapy Stories and Information:
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Resources/Centers in Massachusetts Links:Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center: www.littlebit.org/
Greenlock Therapeutic Riding: www.greenlock.org/ Bina Farm (Natick, MA): Lovelane Special Needs Horsebackriding Program Windrush Farm (North Andover, MA) Strongwater Farm (Tewksbury, MA) Ironstone Farm (Andover, MA) Emerald Hollow (Brewster, MA) Horse SenseAbility (Sherborn, MA) |
Certification Programs for Educators
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