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Equine-Assisted Equine-assisted activities include hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding. Hippotherapy is part of a rehabilitation approach used by occupational, physical and speech therapists. The therapists work under a physician's prescription and generally have accreditation and training by The American Hippotherapy Association and or PATH, International. The belief is that riding helps to improve postural control, trunk strength, balance, endurance. Therapists may address motor planning and weight bearing. The horse movement also offers sensory input to vestibuluar, proprioceptive, tactile and visual channels. While therapeutic horsemanship may address the same physical, emotional or sensory needs, it is a recreational program of horseback riding adapted to people with disabilities. Here is a great tool to help differentiate the two equine-assisted activities. ORGANIZATIONS American Hippotherapy Association
Children's TheraPlay Foundation, Inc.
PATH INTERNATIONAL (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) PRODUCTS Freedom Rider Tack Shop |