The Right Step
Therapy Services LLC

Hippotherapy Or Therapeutic Riding: What is the difference and how do I know which one is most appropriate for my child? 1) Consider your child's specific needs: a. Does your child require constant positioning to maintain sitting balance? b. Does your child need frequent assistance to maintain attention or alertness levels? c. Is your child under age 5? d. Does your child have special medical needs that may require the additional knowledge and training from a licensed professional therapist? e. Does your child have sensory integration dysfunction or frequent behavioral outbursts to sensory stimulus? f. Does your child have specific neuro-motor goals to work on? g. Would your child benefit most from the horse's movement in private 1:1 sessions? If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, then hippotherapy may be the avenue most appropriate for your child at this time. Further information comparing and contrasting hippotherapy with therapeutic riding is presented below. 2) Next, look at the availability of programs within an hour drive of your area. Often there are many therapeutic riding programs available but few therapists offering hippotherapy. In addition, therapeutic riding lessons may be offered seasonally and/or programs may have waiting lists. These may be important factors in your final decision. To find a center near you, see the directory at NARHA, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association 3) And finally, consider the costs involved. Riding lessons typically cost less than professional treatment, however therapy fees may be covered under your health insurance policy. You will need to consult the programs and professionals in your area for more information related to your particular situation.

 

 

Hippotherapy Completed by professional therapist (OT, PT, or Speech Therapist) in conjunction with a professional horse handler   Direct hands on participation by therapist at all times   The horse's movement is essential to assist in meeting therapy goals The goal of hippotherapy is professional treatment to improve neurological functioning in cognition, body movement, organization, and attentional levels Hippotherapy is 1:1 treatment and generally occurs year-round until the client meets discharge criteria     In hippotherapy the treating therapist continually assesses and modifies therapy based on the client's responses

Therapeutic Riding Completed by professional horseback riding instructor in conjunction with volunteers including a therapist who may be involved as a consultant Occasional hands on assistance by riding instructor and/or volunteer, with instructor primarily teaching from center of arena. The horse's temperament is essential to learn riding skills Therapeutic riding aims to provide social, educational, and sport opportunities in recreational horseback riding lessons adapted to individuals with disabilities In therapeutic riding, the individual is often taught riding lessons in a group format, which runs in "sessions". The instructor must respond to the group as a whole, in addition to fostering individual success In therapeutic riding, focus on the group lesson is encouraged, along with emphasizing proper riding position and rein skills

 

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