What is Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is a therapeutic approach that involves the purposeful use of equine movement by occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals. By leveraging evidence-based practices and clinical reasoning, therapists engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes for their patients.

Integration into Care Plans

Best practices recommend that therapists incorporate hippotherapy into each patient’s plan of care alongside other therapeutic tools and strategies. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual needs.

Who Provides Hippotherapy?

Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists can utilize hippotherapy as a treatment strategy within their scope of practice. 

Why Horses?

Horses move at an average of 100 steps per minute, providing approximately 500 neuromotor inputs in just five minutes. During a typical session, 15 to 25 minutes of equine movement can yield 1,500 to 2,500 neuromotor inputs. This dynamic movement serves as a powerful facilitator for key neuromotor systems essential for functional skills.

Incorporating hippotherapy into therapy sessions allows for complex motor learning opportunities. Skillful equine movement, directed by a trained therapist, enhances strength, muscle coordination, sensory processing, and fine motor skills. These improvements can lead to better walking, talking, daily living activities, and increased attention to tasks. Additionally, patients often experience enhanced motivation and social-emotional benefits during treatment.

Research Supporting Hippotherapy

A growing body of peer-reviewed clinical research underscores the effectiveness of hippotherapy in facilitating positive functional outcomes for individuals with neuromotor and cognitive/communication deficits.  For a detailed list of hippotherapy research articles and resources, please refer to the AHA, Inc. website.

 Understanding Hippotherapy as a Treatment Tool

It’s crucial for families and healthcare professionals to recognize that hippotherapy is integrated into standard occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology services. It is not a standalone service or program. Terms like “equine therapy” or “horse therapy” are not accurate.

Clarification on Terminology

It’s important to note that there is no specific “hippotherapy service” or “hippotherapy program.” Licensed therapy professionals incorporate equine movement into their treatment plans as a therapy tool. For a detailed description of hippotherapy, please refer to the AHA, Inc. website.

*Please note that occupational therapy services that utilize hippotherapy do require a medical referral *