What is hippotherapy?

The term hippotherapy refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the deliberate manipulation of equine (horse) movement as a therapeutic tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes.

Best practice dictates that occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy professionals integrate hippotherapy into the patient’s intervention plan, along with other therapeutic tools and/or strategies.

The use of equine (horse) movement as a treatment tool in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy is supported by clinical research published in numerous scientific journals, including Physical Therapy, Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, Communication Disorders Quarterly and Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in addition to many other clinical publications.

Statistically significant results include improvements in balance, strength, mobility, gait, sensory processing and regulation, coordination, speech, language, communication, vocal loudness and participation in daily activities.

How does hippotherapy differ from equine therapy?

The term “hippotherapy” refers to the inclusion of equine (horse) movements as a treatment tool or strategy. This can be done by occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech therapy professionals within their scope of practice.

Hippotherapy should not be confused with equine therapy, paradressage or other terminologies. The term “equitherapy” suggesting that it is a “Therapy” and can be misleading.

If you are seeking therapy for yourself or a family member, be sure to seek out a licensed therapist who has had ongoing training in the use of hippotherapy as a therapy modality.

Who can benefit from hippotherapy?

The movements offered by the horse can be beneficial for people with specific needs.

Among these, we can note children and adults presenting, but not exclusively, these diagnoses:

•  Cerebral palsy
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Overall developmental delay
• Intellectual disability, trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or motor dyspraxia
• Difficulties in sensory regulation
• Different genetic syndromes
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD or PTSD)
• Parkinsonism
• Other diagnoses or developmental issues