Blog Entry Two – Definitions and meanings

Blog Entry Two – Definitions and meanings

What is hippotherapy

Therapeutic Riding: is a term that has been used for many years to encompass the variety of equine activities in which people with disabilities participate. Though still commonly used, this ‘umbrella’ term has caused confusion among the medical community. When the therapist utilizes the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy to improve neuromuscular function, it is important to consistently use the correct terminology and refer to it as “hippotherapy”. (American Hippotherapy Association, 2010)

Hippotherapist: People conducting hippotherapy sessions are physical, occupational or speech therapists. Hippotherapy is merely a treatment strategy used by these skilled practitioners to achieve functional outcomes. (American Hippotherapy Association, 2010)

Hippotherapy: Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, or speech and language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the horse” from the Greek word, “hippos” meaning horse. Specially trained physical and occupational therapists use this treatment for clients with movement dysfunction. In Hippotherapy, the horse influences the client rather than the client controlling the horse. The client is positioned on the horse and actively responds to his movement. The therapist directs the movement of the horse; analyses the client’s responses; and adjusts the treatment accordingly. This strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. (American Hippotherapy Association, 2010)

Horse Handler: The person in charge of the handling of the hippotherapy horse during the treatment session. This person should have extra training in handling horses specifically for hippotherapy.

Reference

American Hippotherapy Association (2010). Hippotherapy as a treatment strategy. Retrieved from http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/hippotherapy/hippotherapy-as-a-treatment-strategy/