Hip, Hip Hooray for Horses

No longer are horses confined to boring jobs like lugging carts of vegetables or hauling carriages of tourists through Central Park. They, too, have become healthcare providers, taking on treatment and therapy in humans and helping with a host of conditions. Introducing Dr. Horse ….

Hippotherapy

Using horses as a means of treatment, hippotherapy is practiced by physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists. Patients who benefit from hippotherapy are those with cerebral palsy, functional spinal curvature, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, developmental delay, stroke, or autism. Impairments that can be successfully modified with hippotherapy include: impaired balance responses, coordination, communication, or sensimotor function difficulties; poor postural control; and decreased mobility.

How does a horse help? Horses walk with movements similar to human pelvic patterns – the motion is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive. The movement from the horse elicits an adaptive response from the patient. Just like swings, tunnels, balls, and bolsters, sensory integration takes place, but in a less superficial environment. Hippotherapy is purely therapeutic: specific riding skills are not taught and the therapist is always in control of the horse.

Because of the connection with an animal, treatment with a horse may also improve psychological, behavioral, cognitive, and communication functions in the patient. And while hippotherapy is sometimes used in combination with other treatments, a hairy friend inevitably has far more character than a large rubber ball!

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding uses horses to develop the physical abilities and emotional well-being of the patients. Unlike hippotherapy, therapeutic riding teaches basic horsemanship and riding skills – it is more like a traditional riding lesson. The rider gains improved flexibility, balance, posture, and muscle strength. Through riding, the patient can improve their confidence, self-esteem, and sense of independence. With a few different safety precautions, even a blind person can take up horse riding as a therapeutic hobby.

Speech-Language Therapy

Horses are used in the treatment of speech-language patients who suffer from autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, multiple sclerosis, developmental delay, speech disorders, and brain and spinal cord injuries.

Many patients find the atmosphere more relaxing than traditional office settings, and, consequently, they are more receptive to treatment. Commands for the horse can be taught, with tangible results. Something as simple as saying "trot" or "whoa" is a major achievement for the patient.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

EAP is used in the treatment of a variety of psychological disorders including psychotic and behavioral/traumatic disruptions, schizophrenia, depression, and addictions.

Riding and taking care of a horse helps these patients move toward emotional well-being. Patients often find the stable less threatening than traditional psychotherapy sessions in an office. Riding helps them stay calm, focused, and more open about their feelings. Patients may also find it is easier to talk about sensitive issues while riding a horse. For some, developing a positive relationship with a horse is easier than with a person.

Some counties in the US have set up programs for troubled youth. Rather than living in juvenile correctional facilities, these programs allow young people to complete community service hours in the stables, caring for horses. These programs give at-risk youth a new interest that diverts them from committing crimes.

Want to Join the Ride?

Although horses have been thought to have life-affirming relationships with people since Ancient Greek and Roman times, hippotherapy has been a method of therapy in the United States and Canada only since the 1970s. To become a hippotherapist, you must first be certified as an OT, PT, or speech language pathologist. Then, in order to be qualified to administer treatment, you must complete hippotherapy coursework and a specific number of practice hours.

Do you want to get involved? There is more than one way to start:

• Internationally, The Federation of Riding for the Disabled International (FRDI) holds conference every three years – the next one will be in 2006. Around the world, affiliated universities, colleges, and therapeutic riding centers offer therapist training and workshops.

• The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA) is the premier association in North America for equine-based therapeutic activities.

• Similarly, The American Hippotherapy Association (AHA Inc.) provides an AHA-approved course for therapists and therapy assistants. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists can also become a hippotherapy clinical specialist (HPCS) – they are eligible if they have practiced for three years (6,000 hours) and have 100 hours of hippotherapy practice within the three years prior to application. There are application fees, and an examination must be passed. For information, see the AHA Inc. website or the Professional Testing Corporation.

• In Canada, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) offers certifications as an assistant instructor, instructor, or coach. Applicants must complete written, oral, and practical examinations to a panel of two or three examiners. These are the only recognized CanTRA certifications.

Hip, Hip Hooray for Horses

Hippotherapy

Therapeutic Riding

Speech-Language Therapy

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

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Laura Crane

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