Hippotherapy provides a dynamic and engaging environment for therapy. Hippotherapy is therapy using horses it literally means “treatment with the help of the horse” from the Greek word, “hippos” meaning horse. The horse's pelvis has the same three-dimensional movement of the human's pelvis while walking. This three dimensional movement provides physical and sensory input, which is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive.
Ark’s occupational therapist outlines individualized treatment strategies for people for whom, through an evaluation, it has been determined would benefit from hippotherapy. The therapist works closely with the horse professional to manipulate various aspects of the horse’s movement, position, equipment, and types of activities to promote functional outcomes.
Although the treatment is individualized, there are many universal benefits that a person experiences though participation in hippotherapy. They include:
