Hippotherapy

*For programs involving riding, a medical form is required*

Hippotherapy Overview

Hippotherapy is a therapeutic modality that utilizes the natural gait and movement of a horse to provide motor, and sensory input. This is a mounted form of therapy provided by an Occupational Therapist and/or a speech language pathologist in combination with unmounted therapy to improve goals that are collaboratively set with the healthcare professional, client, family and care team.

Why Use Horses as a Modality of Therapy Services

• The three-dimensional movement of the horses mimics the normal movements of the human pelvis when walking (Hippotherapy Video) 

• The movement of a walking horse produces 100 rhythmic impulses per minute. This encourages the patient to maintain balance and upright posture by repetitively challenging postural reactions and remain sitting on the horse. Thus, improving balance, muscle control, and the development of paraspinal muscles

• Horses provide sensory input that can be, rhythmic, variable, and repetitive

• As the child or adult responds to the input, changes in function can occur

• Horses serve as a great motivator

• Clients are in natural settings

Target Audience

Hippotherapy is suitable for is individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. It is particularly beneficial for those experiencing:

• Genetic Syndromes

• Cerebral Palsy

• Sensory Processing Difficulties

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Developmental Delay

• Stroke

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Guillain -Barre

• Multiple Sclerosis

Hippotherapy Primary goals

• Improving emotional regulation, confidence, and mental wellbeing 

• Cognitive goals of increasing arousal, attention, problem solving and planning 

• Improving balance, posture, coordination, and body awareness

• Improving endurance muscle strength and joint mobility

• Building trust and empathy

Program Structure

Hippotherapy sessions are typically a block of 4 individual therapy sessions either weekly or biweekly and are 60 minutes in duration with a cost of $200 per session . Each lesson consists of 15 minutes unmounted therapeutic modality in clinic related to the child’s goals, 30 minutes of mounted programing, and 15 minutes of debriefing with parents and discussing transferable strategies.  

The program structure includes:

• Initial Assessment: Participants undergo an initial assessment by an OT or SLP to identify their therapeutic needs and goals. This assessment helps tailor the hippotherapy sessions to the individual's specific requirements.

• Therapy sessions: Each session involves structured activities both mounted and unmounted based on identified goals.

• Reflection and Processing: Post OT/SLP session the therapist will engage with family regarding strategies that can be utilized at home to support therapy goals. 

• Goal Setting and Progress Evaluation: Regular goal-setting and progress evaluations ensure that therapeutic objectives are being met. Adjustments to the treatment plan are made as necessary to optimize outcomes.

Conclusion

Hippotherapy offers a unique and effective approach to occupational and speech therapy by utilizing horse movement and therapist expertise to provide and fun, immersive and positive impacts on strength, muscle coordination and tone, and sensory processing used in mobility, speech pace and pronunciation, communication rules and the use of fine motor skills for activities of daily living and general attention to tasks.

NOTE: Our hippotherapy sessions are currently in extremely high demand, and spots are very limited. They are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Please note that all of TEAD's Clinical Services have a 24-hour cancellation policy in place. Cancellations can be made with no additional charges up until 24 hours before the appointment.  If the appointment is cancelled within the 24-hour window, the full appointment fee will be charged. If a doctor's note can be provided, then 50% of the appointment fee will be charged.

To inquire further or book an assessment, please contact clinical@tead.on.ca.