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Hippotherapy
Physical therapy on horseback
Hippotherapy is derived from the Greek word 'hippos', meaning horse. It literally means treatment with the horse. The use of the moving horse as a therapy tool utilises the rhythmic, three-dimensional movement of the walking horse. A client appropriately positioned on a horse experiences significant sensory input. This positions them ideally to develop postural control, equilibrium reactions, balance, co-ordination and spatial orientation. There are also psychological, speech, language and cognitive benefits. Hippotherapy is a treatment carried out by, or under the direction of, a specially trained Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist. This is currently only provided at the Northern Area RDA centre with Jill Shelton and Margaret Lee.