Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a mounted therapeutic modality provided by a licensed clinician that utilizes the natural movement of a horse as a powerful treatment method to provide motor and sensory input, and target specific therapy goals in occupational, physical, or speech therapy. It can be used in combination with unmounted therapy to improve goals that are collaboratively set with the clinician, client, family, and care team. Hippotherapy at TEAD is currently facilitated by a licensed occupational therapist. 

Hippotherapy offers a unique and effective approach to therapy by utilizing horse movement and therapist expertise to provide fun and immersive sessions, with positive impacts on: strength; muscle coordination and tone; sensory processing used in mobility, speech pace and pronunciation; communication; emotional regulation and self-care; the use of fine motor skills for daily living; attention to tasks; and general function.

Why Horses?

  • 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

Who Can Benefit?

Hippotherapy is suitable for 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

Pricing

  • $200 for 60-minute sessions
  • $100 for 30-minute sessions

Therapeutic 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

  • Initial Assessment / Screening: Participants undergo an initial assessment 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: In the final 15 minutes of 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.

How to Get Started

Please note that all clinical programs at TEAD are currently waitlisted.
To inquire further or be added to our waitlist, please contact clinical@tead.on.ca.

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