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Equine Therapy
Research Study
10 Participants Needed
The Right Step is partnering with a University of
Michigan study investigating hippotherapy (horseback therapy)
See PDF for details
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Why is this called "hippo" therapy?
A: "Hippo" is the Greek word for horse. A hippopotamus is a "water
horse". Hippotherapy is therapy with the help of a horse.
Q: Is this the same as therapeutic riding?
A: No. They are quite different. See the Hippotherapy Or Therapeutic Riding page for details.
Q: Do you use ponies or horses?
A: Although ponies are smaller and handling patients might be easier, the
movement they produce is too choppy and irregular. The quality of movement
a horse provides assists in making the neurological changes to meet therapy
goals.
Q: What are the goals of therapy?
A: Treatment techniques implemented by The
Right Step help balance, muscle tone, posture, mobility,
coordination, sensory registration, modulation of behavior, attention, and
homeostasis for improved functioning in everyday life routines.
Q: Who can this help?
A: People with physical, neurological, behavioral, and emotional issues
related to Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Coordination Disorder,
Developmental Disability, Dyspraxia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's
Disease, Sensory Integration Disorder, and many others have been helped with
hippotherapy.
Q: How about a weight limit?
A: To protect our therapy horses, TRS has a policy that limits the weight
carried in a treatment session to 20% of the horse's weight (This includes
the tack, as well as the rider's weight). With our current therapy horse
selection, this TOTAL weight should equal no greater than 200 pounds.
Q: Is this safe?
A: Yes. We utilize several important safety practices:
- Each potential therapy horse is screened to ensure the appropriateness
of both the quality of movement and a good working temperament.
- We enforce a number of humane policies including limiting horse work
hours and limiting the amount of weight they carry.
- Professional horse handlers manage the therapy horses.
- Therapists are specially trained to utilize hippotherapy and adhere to
the medical guidelines set by NARHA (North American Riding for Handicapped
Association).
- When on the horse, all clients wear safety helmets.
- All clients, families, and workers must sign an agreement to follow
basic barn safety rules.
Q: What about helmets?
A: The Right Step does utilize helmets
during riding and has both regular and lightweight helmets for use by clients,
however most clients choose to purchase their own helmet. Please consult your
therapist regarding appropriate and approved safety helmets for use in treatment.
Q: How does a rider get on a horse?
A: We use specially adapted mounting blocks (3 and 4 steps high) in order
to get on the horse. Children under 50 pounds can be lifted onto the horse,
but individuals between 50 - 180 pounds must have the ability, with 2 person
assist, to climb steps with a brief period of weight bearing and standing
balance.
Q: What is therapeutic driving?
A: Therapeutic driving helps with balance, upper body strength, visual
perception, following directions and many other skill areas. Driving with a
trained horse and a special carriage or cart, is another way to enjoy
equestrian activities for those who may be unable to ride due to current
weight, the presence of riding precautions or contraindications, discomfort
while riding, or simply because an individual wants to enjoy an outdoor
activity of this type. Driving activities can even occur from your own
regular wheelchair (unfortunately electric wheelchairs weigh too much for
the construction of our vehicles). Driving occurs in a 1:1 lesson with a
specially trained and NARHA certified driving instructor.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: Children as young as 2 years old have been involved in hippotherapy at
The Right Step, as well as individuals
who are 70+, to assist in improving walking and balance after a stroke.
Q: How can we get started?
A: Treatment at The Right Step
begins with your review of our info packet. The initial evaluation session
is scheduled after the return of completed registration paperwork.
Click here to request a copy.
Q: What does it cost?
A: Evaluation is $200. Each treatment session including hippotherapy is $80.
We accept many insurances, offer a pre-pay discount program, and participate
in the Right Step Sponsorship Fund.
Q: What is the Right Step Sponsorship Fund?
A: The Right Step Therapy Services participates in the Sponsorship Fund, a
charitable nonprofit corporation
formed to offer scholarships for Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) to
individuals with disabilities who have no insurance and can not afford
treatment. The fund also periodically sponsors Professional Credentialed
Therapists who complete and publish research into EAA. More research will
equate to improved insurance coverage and less need for Scholarship
assistance. Details and eligibility are available at the
Sponsorship Fund website. Can you help sponsor a
child in need? Click on the image below to make a tax-deductible donation now.
Right Step Sponsorship Fund, Inc.
- Donate now to help special kids in need!
Q: Are there other ways to help with funding?
A: Yes, the Sponsorship Fund participates in two programs which help
charitable organizations with funding. Please check them out at the links below:
Raise money for the Sponsorship Fund just by searching the web and shopping online!
Q: What about bad weather?
A: Therapy occurs in a natural environment, thus the comfort and
well-being of our horses and clients are very important. The Right Step has the following general policy
regarding weather conditions: Therapy and riding sessions will be cancelled
during high winds, thunderstorms, snow storms and when temperatures are
below 20 degrees or above 90 degrees.
Q: Is special clothing necessary?
A: Therapy sessions will be happening in a natural stable environment and
thus certain clothing will facilitate your comfort during treatment: Long
pants, socks, enclosed shoes (no sandals), and appropriate seasonal
clothing.
Q: Is it okay to observe sessions?
A: You are welcome to bring others to watch your child's therapy. All who
observe the program are asked to sign our Visitor Log and follow posted
rules. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding
confidentiality.
Q: How about siblings?
A: For everyone's safety, all children must be under control in appropriate
waiting areas at all times. If your assistance is required in the treatment
session and you have brought other children, it is your responsibility to
provide alternative supervision for them.
Q: How can I get more information?
A:
Click here to request more information.
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The Right Step Therapy Services LLC
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