This morning we went out to Angel Acres for hippotherapy. Both Noah and Samuel receive this therapy weekly. We've been doing it on and off for about a year and a half. Both boys love it! I meant to take the camera today so I could post some pictures, but I forgot. :o(
"What is hippotherapy?" you ask? Well, first of all, it has nothing to do with HIPPOS!! (Wait until you hear about "spider therapy"....that's on Fridays.) Here's some information about hippotherapy:
"What is Hippotherapy?
The term hippotherapy literally means "treatment with the help of the horse". Specially trained occupational, physical, and speech therapists use this medical treatment for patients with physical and movement disorders; such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, stroke, autism and learning or language disabilities.
What Are the Potential Benefits?
· Improved posture, balance, mobility, development of righting and equilibrium reactions
· Normalization of muscle tone
· Tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular input
· Peer and animal interaction, as well as socialization
· Motivating for the client
Hippotherapy uses activities that directly affect the body while the rider sits passively on the saddle pad. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.
Treatment can also improve psychological, cognitive, and behavioral and communication functions for children of all ages. It is a therapeutic exercise that is viewed by patients as pleasurable, fun and challenging. Positioned high on a horse without crutches or wheelchairs, children with disabilities have the opportunity to interact with their peers on an equal level. In addition, Hippotherapy teaches responsibility and appropriate behavior, while stimulating motivation in the "therapy tired" child."
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