HIPPOTHERAPY
The movement input the walking horse
provides for the person on its back is unique
in that it is typical of human walking. As a
result, the person on horseback
experiences a rhythmical and
harmonious movement through space
while sitting in an upright posture and
moving with the horse according to his or
her abilities.
Hippotherapy causes:
- regulation of muscle tone
- tone-related pain relief
- improved trunk and head control and
posture
- improved respiratory function and
movement of the face and mouth,
including improved speech and
swallowing
- improved upper limb function
- development of symmetry
- joint mobilisation
- stretching of tight muscles
- stimulation of digestive function
- multi-sensory feedback of movement
through space.
All this is possible, because the repetitive,
symmetrical and regular movement of the
horse allows the individual on horseback to
- adopt the horse’s movement, practise it,
repeat it, make it automatic,
- and thus to improve his or her own
movement patterns.
As a result, many people develop movement
skills as a result of having hippotherapy which
they did not have before:
they may learn to sit without specialist support,
use their hands to play with toys, ride a bike, sit or
walk more upright, walk without tripping and
falling, be able to stand for transfers, be able to
sleep better, because they are in less pain, be
able to hold something in their hand, such as a
spoon or fork to eat with, be able to carry
something, or be able to stand without holding on
to anything.
All these skills are important not only for a
person’s fuction and skills, they have a huge
impact on an individual’s quality of life, ability to
participate in society and self-esteem.
Horse Power for Ability is the trade name of Horses for Health CLG. We are a not-for-profit organisation. Chair: Dr Dorothee Debuse
Registered office: Heather Lodge, Edlingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2BL, UK. Tel: 01665-574727
