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Hippotherapy uses the movement of the horse to facilitate dynamic postural control in the client. Treatment is based on an initial evaluation, which establishes functional goals and develops a treatment plan using the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Approach (NDT). The client participates in a fifty-minute individual therapy session that is generally divided into preparation before mounting, balance and strength work on the horse, and carry over into functional activity after dismounting.
Hippotherapy uses the horse as a dynamic base to improve trunk mobility and strength which in turn, affects limb function. The horse provides a consistent and rhythmic movement pattern that facilitates the treatment goals, which are crucial to the client's success. Hippotherapy has been used successfully in treatment to achieve functional outcomes in therapy in the U.S. since the late 1970's.
The Hippotherapy program is coordinated by Equest. Cynthia Thomas, P.T., HPCS and NARHA Registered Instructor, Tina Wentz, P.T., and Kristi Bennet, O.T.R. round out the therapy team. The therapists are trained in Hippotherapy and are registered with NARHA.
In Hippotherapy, the therapist, the NARHA certified riding instructor, the volunteers, the horse and the client all form the therapy team. Each member of the team plays a unique role to ensure the client receives the best and most effective treatment. The therapist's role is to orchestrate therapy for the client on and off the horse. The therapist and riding instructor work together to choose the horse that provides the optimal movement pattern to help achieve the treatment goals and to select appropriate and proper fitting tack for treatment movements and positions. The riding instructors role is to supervise the horse's activity during treatment and assist with mounting & dismounting procedures. The volunteers' roles are to prepare the horse for the session and to serve as leaders or sidewalkers, all of whom have been specially trained by Equest. The leader is very horse knowledgeable and maintains control of the horse's movement as directed by the therapist. The sidewalkers provide stability to the rider and help with exercises as directed by the therapist. The entire team works together to provide the best possible treatment session.
Equest provides three therapy sessions per year. For more information, contact Cindy Thomas, P.T., HPCS or see our calendar.
