How Does Hippotherapy Differ from Adaptive Riding?

At KMG Therapies, we use the term adaptive riding rather than “therapeutic riding” because we believe families deserve clear, accurate language about the services they are receiving. While both adaptive riding and hippotherapy may involve horses and can be beneficial for individuals with disabilities or additional support needs, they are not the same service.

🐴 Adaptive Riding

Adaptive riding consists of horseback riding instruction that is modified to accommodate an individual's abilities, needs, and goals. Sessions are focused on learning and participating in the sport of horseback riding, developing riding skills, building confidence/emotional regulation, and promoting safe participation.

Adaptive riding may include:

• Modified equipment or tack

• Adapted instruction and communication

• Additional support for mounting, riding, or horse care

• Individualized goals based on the rider's abilities

• Opportunities to develop independence, confidence, balance, coordination, and horsemanship skills

Adaptive riding is provided by qualified riding instructors or adaptive riding professionals. Although participation may have physical, emotional, social, or developmental benefits, adaptive riding is not occupational, physical, or speech therapy and does not require medical necessity.

Why We Use the Term “Adaptive Riding”

The term “therapeutic riding” can create confusion because the word “therapeutic” may lead families to believe they are receiving therapy from a licensed healthcare professional.

At KMG Therapies, we believe families should be able to clearly understand the difference between therapy services and adapted recreational or sporting activities. For this reason, we use adaptive riding when referring to riding instruction that has been modified to support an individual's needs.

This terminology helps protect consumers, promote transparency, and ensure that families can make informed decisions about the services that are right for them.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a skilled therapy intervention—not a riding lesson.

During hippotherapy, a licensed occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech-language pathologist intentionally incorporates the movement of the horse as a treatment tool to address specific functional goals within the client's medical plan of care.

Two Different Services, One Equine Connection

Adaptive riding and hippotherapy can both provide meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, confidence, and participation—but their purpose, provider, and goals are different.

For some individuals, the two services may even complement one another. A client may participate in hippotherapy to address specific occupational, physical, or speech-language goals and later transition into adaptive riding as they work toward greater independence and participation in the sport of horseback riding.

At KMG Therapies, we are committed to using clear terminology so families always know what type of service they are receiving and why.