Hippotherapy

Can you help me?

I'm writing a book that has something to do with therapeutic horseback riding. What does it help mentally challenged children and adults to do besides balance? Do you know where I can learn more? I also need to know breeds of horses they use... Thanks so much! I have a fact book of horse breeds, and they of course tell what they're good for, and on one pony (not horse) which was the Haflinger, said it could be used for therapeutic riding.

Public Comments

1. I'm a writer and a special ed. teacher....so i can tell you that learning a new skill makes everyone's brain "grow". Working with animals also teaches responsibility and it definitely would improve eye-hand coordination (since in effect you are "driving" the animal). It would help a child with mental deficiences the chance to possibly overcome fear as well...As for breeds of horses...I don't think breed matters as much as age and disposition. Trail-broke horses are called "dead heads" because they pretty much just 'follow the trail'. A young thoroughbred horse would definitley not be a first choice, I would think. Hope this helps...email if u need to. Write on!
2. First off, here are some websites: http://www.humantherapyonhorse.org/news.html http://www.4harmonyfoundation.com/TherapeuticRiding.htm http://www.specialchild.com/archives/ia-008.html http://www.ridingcentre.org/therapeutic.htm These articles will answer some of your questions about what horseback riding does for mentally challenged children and adults. From my observation, the things that are good about "hippotherapy": 1. Many people with physical and mental conditions that require constant assistance feel a sense of frustration at never being able to be in control of their environment or what's happening to them. Horseback riding therapy helps them to feel a sense of control, because they find that they can influence what the horse does. This can be a revelation for some of them. 2. The horse does not judge them. It doesn't pity them, it doesn't scorn them, it isn't afraid or repelled by them. It behaves with them exactly the way it would behave with a completely able-bodied person. The horse doesn't care about what their problem is, which is the most complete form of acceptance there is. 3. Horses can be very affectionate, also very tactile and nice to touch. And as with all animals, the affection they show is completely non-judgemental and unconditional. Many mentally challenged people and adults know that other people have problems accepting them. Horses do not. Horses easily show affection towards people who treat them well. 4. Because a horse is completely non-judgemental and accepting of people with mental challenges, it will not make allowances for people's conditions. It will not patronize or force itself to behave. So people with mental challenges find that if they act out in ways that are repellent to the horse, the horse will not cut them any slack because of their condition. If they want to get a positive response from the horse, they must avoid behaviors that repell the horse, like tantruming. These are the most important things I've seen about therapeuting interactions with horses. As to breeds of horses they use, any horse of any breed that has the appropriate temperament can be used. Many of the horses that are used in hippotherapy are donated horses, many of which are for some reason (age mostly) not able to be used for normal riding that requires more soundness and vigor. Because the work done on horseback at therapy centers is not physically intensive for the horse, even horses that are only capable of light work can be useful. And a horse that can't be used for anything else can be used to teach therapy clients about grooming, bridling, saddling and on-ground handling. Temperament is the most important issue; the therapy centers want horses that are quiet, not nervous, not aggressive (biters and kickers need not apply!), with a happy personality that enjoys attention and is responsive to affection.
3. I think one of the programs you are asking about is HETRA Try googling it and see what you get. At the program in our area any breed of horse cna be used. Most are older horses who have been donated to the program. They have gotten to lod to be ridden by their owners or shown so hard and the HERTA program only walks them around so it makes a nice retirement for a still able older horse. Horses do not judge people on how the look or anything. It give humans much confidance to be able to get on something that large and guide it around. It is also very peaceful just you and the horse. It is relaxing and just makes you feel good.
4. I was very impressed with its ability to empower young anorexic women. Twenty teens were given mostly T-breds to learn to ride.. Even the most resistant girl was successful with her own health after she learned to control over 1000# of horsepower. Another aspect is the animals need for equine massage and acupuncture, as the off balance or unskilled weight takes a toll on these generous animals. An acquaintance donates her time weekly to these horses.
5. As far as physically, it helps to improve balance and muscle tone. The movement of the horse at various gaits and over obstacles moves muscles in the person riding that aren't necessarily moved in everyday living. It also helps to improve their trunk muscles (the ones that hold us upright). Mentally, riding gives students with more mental ability the feeling of independance. They are riding a huge animal, and are telling it commands, and it is doing what they say! It hasa social aspect, there are often leaders and sidewalkers as well as the instructor that the students interact with. Sometimes, there are other students in the arena too, and they will all play a game together like "Leapfrog". A game where the student in first yells "Leapfrog" and the student that is last trots and passes them. They then yell Leapfrog and so it goes. On top of just riding, the program I have worked in also incorporates grooming when appropriate. the students learn the different utensils and how to tack up their horse. it is an extraordinary experience for the students, and even for the volunteers involved. The main website is for NARHA(North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). (Google NARHA and it will come up). They are the main accredidating body for therapeutic riding centers and instructors. They use all breeds of horses and ponies. At the place I volunteer, they have Morgans, a Paso Fino, a Norwegian Fjord, a Shetland, Appaloosas, a Belgian/Quarter Horse, and even a Standardbred (ex pacer racehorse!!). They tend to pick stockier built horses and ponies. The horses have to be "bombproof" and very calm on the ground to work around. They need to stand patiently for long periods of time. Before a horse is placed in lessons, they do a lot of desensitization work with the various toys and equipment that is used to make sure the horse is safe. The way the lessons are structured all depend on the functionality of the students. Some students need 2 sidewalkers and a leader, others need 1 sidewalker and a leader, others need just a leader, and there are even students who ride independently! The sidewalkers walk along next to the horse and the student. They can do a variety of different holds to help the student stay on the horse. The leader is responsible for the horse only in that sort of situation where there are sidewalkers. If it is just the leader, then the leader also assists the student in completing the tasks, but is mostly responsible for the horse. Good luck with the book. NARHA is a great place to find out more. They will also have a list of places in your area that do therapeutic riding, I'm sure those centers would love to be able to help you learn more! Volunteering is a very rewarding experience, and I highly recommend it! Even if you don't know anything about horses. it is a great experience. They will have training programs for volunteers.
6. I volunteer and help with a program dealing with this. It helps the children have convidence in themselves and shows them that they can do things themselves. And it helps with concentration. Mostley therapeutic riding is for children and adults who have spinal troubles, or leg troubles. The movement of the horse can help their muscles get used to the movement of walking. That's why you always need to use a smooth walking horse.
7. it also helps with strength and cordination i dont know how exactly but i just know it helps with that