Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a medical professional uses a horse’s natural movements to provide motor and sensory input. Our trained and licensed therapists use the movement and temperament of the horse to meet the rider’s individual needs that cannot be achieved in a clinical setting. While the rider is on the horse, the horse’s gait allows riders with motor deficits to develop their muscles and improve strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and confidence. The movement also facilitates improvements in auditory and verbal processing, communication and interactive skills. Hippotherapy is a widely accepted treatment within the medical and educational communities that has ample evidence of its benefits and proven success. Those with Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and limb dysfunction are all excellent candidates for hippotherapy. At Palatka Pastures, we have experienced how our effective (and fun) hippotherapy program has truly changed the lives of our riders.