Who We Are
About Equine Assisted Therapy / HIPPO therapy
Hippotherapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy or horse therapy, is a type of therapy that involves the use of horses to help individuals with various physical, emotional, and developmental challenges.
Benefits
Individuals with cognitive, emotional, and physical special needs can experience numerous benefits of being involved in a mounted or unmounted equine assisted therapy.
These benefits can include but are not limited to:
- Development of self confidence and ability to connect
- Improved social engagement
- Improved balance and coordination
- Development of fine and gross motor skills
- Increase in core strength and muscle control
- Improved processing ability
- Increase in range of motion and mobility
- Increase in cooperation, empathy, and compassion
- Decrease in feelings of anxiety, depression
- Improved ability to follow directions and give directions.
The Framework of process
- Assessment: Occupational therapists begin by assessing their clients' physical, sensory, and emotional needs and goals. These needs may include improving balance, coordination, muscle strength, sensory integration, self-regulation, and emotional well-being.
- Integration of Hippotherapy: The occupational therapist incorporates hippotherapy sessions into the treatment plan. During these sessions, the client interacts with a trained therapy horse under the guidance of a licensed therapist (OTR/l in this case). The therapist begins the session unmounted addressing sensory, social, and self regulation. When mastery of this level is achieved then mounted therapy can begin (depending on the client's needs and abilities).
- Targeted Interventions: Hippotherapy allows the therapist to use the unique movements of the horse to address specific occupational therapy goals. For example:
- Balance and Coordination: The rhythmic and three-dimensional movement of the horse challenges the client's balance and helps improve coordination.
- Sensory Integration: The tactile and proprioceptive input from interacting with the horse can assist with sensory processing difficulties.
- Muscle Strength and Endurance: Riding and engaging in activities on the horse's back can help strengthen core muscles and improve endurance.
- Emotional Well-being: The therapeutic relationship with the horse and the outdoor environment can have positive effects on emotional regulation and self-esteem.
Equine assisted therapy allows us to maintain a Client-Centered Approach: To ensure a holistic approach to care.Occupational therapists tailor the activities during hippotherapy to the individual client's needs and interests, making the therapy sessions engaging and enjoyable.
Who is present during the session?
- Your Occupational Therapist
- As partnered with "Horse Life" in homestead they have highly trained staff present and monitoring session.
- A highly trained volunteer
empowerdevelopmenttherapycenter
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
At EDTC within the department of Occupational Therapy, we specialize in pediatric occupational therapy to support children with developmental disabilities or delays. Our licensed therapists work with children to improve their fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care abilities.
Older population Occupational Therapy
At EDTC
Strengthening Programs
Our team takes a holistic approach to strengthening programs.
Equine Assisted Therapy
Equine Assisted Therapy
Our team takes a holistic approach to all ages for occupational therapy, recognizing that every child is unique and requires an individualized treatment plan.
Sensory Integration
Equine Assisted Therapy
Sensory Integration
Our team takes a holistic approach to pediatric occupational therapy, recognizing that every child is unique and requires an individualized treatment plan. We work closely with parents and caregivers to understand each child's needs and goals, using evidence-based interventions to promote progress.
Our Approach
Equine Assisted Therapy
Sensory Integration
Our team takes a holistic approach to pediatric occupational therapy, recognizing that every child is unique and requires an individualized treatment plan. We work closely with parents and caregivers to understand each child's needs and goals, using evidence-based interventions to promote progress.
Social Groups!
Social Groups!
Social Groups!
Our team takes a holistic approach to pediatric occupational therapy, recognizing that every child is unique and requires an individualized treatment plan. We work closely with parents and caregivers to understand each child's needs and goals, using evidence-based interventions to promote progress.