Hippotherapy

"I want you to see me, as I want to see myself, for what I can do, and not for what I cannot." - Edwin A. McCabe

Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse as an avenue to complete a physical, occupational, or speech therapy session. The horse's movement has rhythm, symmetry, bilateralism, a dynamic base of support and multiple planes of movement. The movement responses in the rider are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking.

The American Hippotherapy Association suggests that Hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, mobility and function. It may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions for clients of all ages.

Hippotherapy, as part of an overall treatment strategy, can be appropriate for a wide range of ages and diagnoses. Individuals as young as two years of age through adulthood may benefit. Diagnoses often seen are Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Developmental Delays, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Spina Bifida and more.

In Hippotherapy there is little or no emphasis on learning the skill of riding.

We are excited to announce that our Baxter Springs, KS facility is now a Kansas Medicaid Provider for physical therapy (Hippotherapy). This is exciting new for KS residents and will allow us to provide our services to an even larger audience.

For more information on Hippotherapy and its benefits, visit the American Hippotherapy Association website. www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org

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