We urge you, brothers, warn
those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
As you probably know, or may have guessed, the term
"hippotherapy" does not refer to working with a 4,000-pound hippopotamus from Africa.
Instead, it comes from the Greek word "hippos" meaning
horse. Hippotherapy is a term used to describe the movement of a horse as part of a treatment strategy when used by physical,
occupational, and speech therapists.
The natural movement of the horse
is used to help children increase their functional abilities. The horse's movement translates through the child, causing many
parts of the body to do work. This response is sometimes achieved without the child's awareness of their effort. The therapist
can modify the horse's movement to promote specific responses within the child. Specific riding skills are not taught, but
rather a foundation is established to improve function and sensory processing.
This approach to treatment uses
meaningful activities and specific goals in the controlled hippotherapy environment, while providing the child with a joyful
experience, in a natural setting.
