Blog post 3 – History of Hippotherapy

The therapeutic value of riding horses has been known since the days of ancient Greece. Hippocrates was the first to describe the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding, calling it a universal exercise with a ‘‘healing rhythm’’. The value of horseback riding for the rehabilitation of persons with physical disabilities has been recognized since 1875 when Chassaignac, a physiotherapist, noted that as a result of the riding experience, the rider’s balance was improved, muscles were strengthened, joints became more supple, and there was a marked improvement in the rider’s morale. More recently, in the 1960s, therapeutic riding centres emerged throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States.

 

Classic Hippotherapy vs. Modern hippotherapy

This therapy reflects the German model that has been practiced throughout Europe since the 1960s. Classic hippotherapy is performed with 1 rider (the patient) and at least1 therapist (a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or a speech–language therapist) and a horse. “The therapist uses the three-dimensional movement of the horses back as an apparatus to manipulate the passive body of the patient. The treatment consists entirely of the horse’s movement and the patient’s response to this movement. The patient may be positioned astride the horse in different positions such as facing forward or backward, or lying prone or supine. This therapy, based on the positive effect of the horse’s movement on the person, is beneficial for the rehabilitation of neuromuscular” (Grandos & Ferna’andez Agi, 2011, pg. 192).

Present-day hippotherapy is a treatment approach that uses the movement of the horse as in classic hippotherapy, but with the added component of psychological intervention. Modern hippotherapy is used to achieve physical, psychological, cognitive, social, behavioural, and educational goals. It represents a multidisciplinary form of treatment that can be applied by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or psychologist. This treatment approach uses activities with a horse to address the specific needs of a patient. “The American Hippotherapy Association, the largest hippotherapy association in the world, defines hippotherapy as a physical, occupational, and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. It is referred to as a ‘‘passive’’ type of riding, in which the horse moves the rider” (Grandos & Ferna’andez Agi, 2011, pg. 192). The gait of a horse has been shown to resemble that of the human walking, so by sitting on the walking horse, riders can go through the motions of walking without placing any weight on their legs. Modern hippotherapy is not only used for physical rehabilitation.

 You tube clip – Hippotherapy activities -

References:

Granados, A. C., & Ferna’andez Agi, I. (2011). Why Children With Special Needs Feel Better with Hippotherapy Sessions: A Conceptual Review. The Journal of alternative and complementary medicine. 17 (3), 191-197. Doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0229

Tenaglia, K. (2010). Hippotherapy activities.  Retrieved from http://health.uml.edu/thc/HealthIssues/Hippotherapy/Hippotherapy_Website.html