Hippotherapy

Does equine assisted therapies work for kids?

Public Comments

1. You definitely want to check into this site. http://www.winslow.org/ Read the links on the left of the main screen for more info on hippotherapy, etc. and how equine therapies help with autism, etc. There is absolutely a basis for this kind of therapy and it works well by all accounts.
2. I used to volunteer at a stable that did these therapeutic 'lessons'. They really do work. Depending on the childs problems, it helps in many different ways. For children that are wheelchair bound, it helps stretch the limbs and the movement mimics how a humans body would walk, so it benefits their whole body just to be able to move. For the mentally challenged (and even the average child), it seems to really bring the child out of their shell, and give them self confidence. They are always so excited to be there and feel so proud of their accomplishments. Even though every child (and adult) has 'spotters' they feel like they have control, and are doing something special 'all by their self!' They play games while riding that help improve their motor skills, and make it more fun. ie. tossing rings to a certain spot, choosing different color balls, and then trying to make a basket (in a plastic child size basketball hoop). They give the horse directions like Whoa, trot, stop. They focus on things that make the child think and concentrate (as best they can for their 'level' of understanding) I would recommend it for any child...
3. I help out at a hippotherapy place. I haven't been there for real long but the therapists have told me about a lot of kids it has helped. Some of them just have physical problems and it helps them to stretch their muscles, and to work on core strength, balance, etc. For others it helps them focus and it lets them take part in a sport that they wouldn't have a chance to otherwise. The movement also help get kids to wake up and pay more attention to speech therapy and things like that.