Someone once said, “Horses carry the wisdom of healing in their hearts, and offer it to any humans who possess the humility to listen.” For many therapy patients, this could not be more true. Beyond that, this quote is the epitome of what hippotherapy stands for. What is hippotherapy, you ask? Let’s explore what is hippotherapy and how it is used in various forms of allied health, from physical therapy to speech and language pathology.
What is Hippotherapy?
No, hippotherapy has nothing to do with hippos. In fact, it is a therapy treatment that uses the movements of horses to demonstrate sensory input. This therapy can aid neurological function and sensor processing. Hippotherapy doesn’t involve actually riding the horse. Instead, it uses the horse’s movements to aid humans into a strong foundation towards improving their own movements.
What is the History Behind Hippotherapy?
“Hippos” is actually the Greek word for horse. Therefore, “hippotherapy” literally translates to “horse therapy.” Although this alternative form of medicine seems new, it has actually existed for a long time. Some say that the roots of this type of sensory and neurological training is traceable back as far as the days off Hippocrates. However, it wasn’t until the 1980’s that North American therapists in Canada and the United States began using a standardized hippotherapy routine. Nearly 10 years later, in 1992, the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) formed. Today this organization is responsible for setting industry standards for professionals using this type of therapy.
What Therapy Specialties Use Hippotherapy for Treatment?
Hippotherapy is commonly used in occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.
So, why do these specialties use horses to help patients? Well, it is because a horse has a pelvis that has similar three-dimensional movements to people. Each patient has a different pattern movement “prescribed” to their certain needs. The repetitive and rhythmic movements of the horse tends to lead to a very similar walking pattern in the human. Ultimately, the goal is to familiarize the client with the functionality of the horse’s movements in such a way that they eventually will mimic it in their own bodies.
Physical Therapists Use Hippotherapy for:
- Gait training
- Balance
- Posture control
- Strengthing
- Range of motion
Occupational Therapists use Hippotherapy for:
- Improving motor control
- Coordination
- Balance
- Attention
- Sensory processing
- Daily performance
Speech and Language Pathology Therapists Use Hippotherapy for:
- Learning traditional speech
- Language
- Swallowing habits
- Successful communication
What is Hippotherapy in Mental Health Treatment?
Horses are commonly used for mental health treatment as well. Social workers, mental-health workers, and psychologists can also add horses to their treatment plans. However, when they use horses in therapy it is slightly different. Instead of being called hippotherapy, this type of treatment is referred to as equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP). This form of psychotherapy is less commonly studied. However, it can involve having the patient on or off the horse and has little to do with the horse’s actual movements. It focuses more on the fact that horses are strong and powerful, allowing people to face their fears. Horses are also very in tune with their surroundings and the energy around them Because of this, they tend to develop strong, emotional relationships with people.
EAP is used to treat diagnosis such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
- Different types of hyperactive disorders
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Aggressive behavioral issues
- Eating disorders
So, how can you incorporate this type of therapy into your patients’ treatment plans? Well, you need to meet certain requirements and take a Hippotherapyy Clinical Specialty Certification Examination,. You can take the exam through the Hippotherapy Certification Board.
Do you have any additional questions about using hippotherapy? Drop them in the comments below!
