Hippotherapy

Originating from the Greek word "Hippo", Hippotherapy literally means "treatment with the help of a horse". Hippotherapy utilizes the movement of the horse as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.  The movement of the horse is similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis and trunk while walking.  The variability of the horse's gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the child and then utilize this movement in combination with other treatment strategies to achieve desired results. The therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sensory input.  Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic horseback riding); but rather a foundation of Neuromotor control and sensory processing is established which can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities