| The word "hippotherapy" may sound very strange to | | | | required motions while exercising the muscles involved |
| someone who has never heard it before. However, | | | | in walking. |
| hippos is actually the Ancient Greek word for horse: in | | | | This is the basic principle around which this form of |
| this kind of physical therapy, patients with disabilities | | | | therapy is often based. However, there are many |
| spend time riding and interacting with horses. | | | | other advantages that patients may enjoy. These |
| Proponents of this practice claim that it can have a | | | | include: |
| wide range of physical and emotional benefits for | | | | - Sensory processing (the ability to experience, identify, |
| those who undergo it. | | | | and cope with different sensations, including touch, |
| It is important to note that horses have been integrated | | | | smell, sight, and taste) |
| into certain kinds of psychological therapy, but this is | | | | - Fine motor skills, by completing tasks such as holding |
| not the same as hippotherapy. While the practice | | | | the reins |
| discussed in this article may well have mental or | | | | - Improved posture from learning how to balance in the |
| emotional benefits, its primary focus is on helping | | | | saddle, which can improve back health and even |
| people with physical disabilities increase their motor | | | | respiration |
| skills. For example, many people suffering from | | | | - Verbal expression and articulation, from |
| cerebral palsy have benefitted from this practice. | | | | communicating with the animal and instructor |
| How It Can Help | | | | Some patients, particularly children, also develop |
| People with cerebral palsy often experience difficulties | | | | emotional and behavioral benefits. For example, the |
| with both gross motor skills (larger movements such | | | | opportunity to ride a horse can present a fun physical |
| as walking or sitting upright) and fine motor skills (more | | | | activity for people who are often excluded from |
| detailed movements such as manipulating an object | | | | physical play. Forming a relationship with a gentle and |
| with one's fingers). It may seem strange that riding a | | | | attentive animal can also improve a patient's happiness |
| horse could address both of these issues, but it can. | | | | levels and overall mental functioning. |
| Many of the benefits of this form of therapy lie in the | | | | Finally, learning to ride a horse can help a person learn |
| fact that a horse's gait is very similar to a human's. In | | | | patience and discipline. Although the instructor will be |
| other words, riding on a horse involves moving your | | | | working closely with him or her to ensure safety, the |
| body in the same way you would if you were walking. | | | | skills acquired can foster independence and increased |
| For people who have difficulty walking, or cannot walk, | | | | self-esteem. |
| this movement helps them practice some of the | | | | |