Hippotherapy literally means treatment with the help of the horse. It originates from the Greek word "hippo" meaning horse. More specifically, it is the 3-dimensional movement of the horse's hip and pelvis as the hind legs move forward at the walk, which provides a movement challenge to the client. Specially trained physical, occupational and speech therapists use this medical treatment for clients with movement dysfunction.
There is no better place to simulate human walking than on the back of a horse. Because the gait of a horse mimics the walking gait of a person, many riders experience "normal" movement for the first time. In Hippotherapy, the horse influences the client rather than the client controlling the horse. The horse’s pelvis is built similarly to the human pelvis and when the horse walks it mimics the same motion as when a human walks. The client with movement dysfunction is positioned on the horse sitting forward (classic) or backwards and actively responds to the horse's movement. Complete stimulation of sensory motor components is inherent in Hippotherapy. The 3-dimentional movement of the horse allows for simultaneous input through vestibular, tactile, proprioceptive, visual, auditory and olfactory channels. Specially trained physical and occupational therapists direct the movement of the horse, analyzes the client's responses, and adjusts the treatment accordingly. The goals of Hippotherapy are to improve the clients posture, balance, mobility, and function.
Fundamentally, the lives of some of our area's most dependent individuals can be improved by hippotherapy to the point that they are able to function at a much higher level, making an active contribution to the quality of life we enjoy in our community.
In addition to the classic Hippotherapy defined above, developmental vaulting and riding therapy can be used by the medical profession in a variety of therapeutic approaches.