What is Hippotherapy?

What Is Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, or speech and language therapy treatment strategy that engages equine movement.

Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the horse” from the Greek word, “hippos” meaning horse.

Specially trained physical and occupational therapists use this treatment for clients with movement dysfunction.

In Hippotherapy, the horse influences the client rather than the client controlling the horse. The client is positioned on the horse and actively responds to his movement. The therapist directs: the movement of the horse; analyzes the client’s responses; and adjusts the treatment accordingly. 

This strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes which is modified to improve neurological function and sensory processing.