Hippotherapy is a year-round program for individuals with
extensive needs. Licensed Physical therapists, Occupational
therapists, or Speech Language Pathologists use the movement
of the horse to promote gross/fine motor skills and communicative
skills.
Hippotherapy helps to mobilize the hips, pelvis, and
lumbar spine to promote trunk and core stability. It also
stimulates the central nervous system, activates weak muscles,
and reduces muscle spasms. Other goals may include improving
attending skills, balance and coordination, speech and language
skills, and improving eye contact.
We currently have four
Occupational Therapists, one Physical Therapist, and one Speech
Language Pathologist working with our program. Volunteers
help to support our therapists with their sessions and act
as part of the treatment team. HorseAbility requires that
our therapists take the Hippotherapy Classical Principles
and Applications Workshop, which is given by the American
Hippotherapy Association. In addition HorseAbility requires
our therapists to take continuing educational coursework each
year.
