Human & Horse: a therapeutic partnership

Welcome to a community of Equine Assisted Physiotherapists promoting best practice and support for Equine Activities.

WELCOME TO ACPEA

The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities

We are a self-governing professional network, which empowers its members by facilitating learning and development opportunities, supporting innovation and sharing best practices.

What is Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is a specialised treatment approach that uses the movement of the horse as part of an integrated intervention strategy for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology. The patient is positioned on the horse (which is often covered with a sheepskin) to receive the therapy.

This approach is particularly effective due to the equine's symmetrical and rhythmic three-dimensional movement, which can impact the patient in various ways, including improvements to balance, stability, proprioception, sensory processing, and coordination.

The physical therapist is integral in determining the patient's position on the horse, which could be anything from sitting to side-sitting, facing backwards, or even in a four-point kneeling position, which provides constant and dynamic movement input.

Involvement of ACPEA Physiotherapists in Equine Activties

ACPEA Physiotherapist work in a variety of settings, with a wide range of stakeholders, involving equines, such as:

  • Providing pain management, injury treatment, rehabilitation, and injury prevention advice to riders.

  • Hippotherapy augmenting physiotherapy with equine movement as a therapeutic modality.

  • Para Equestrian sport and performance, including Classification of Riders for para dressage.

  • Amateur and elite rider performance based on horse and rider anatomy and biomechanics.

  • We collaborate with external organisations and charities, such as The Disabled Association (RDA), to extend the reach of our expertise.

  • We collaborate with individuals of all ages affected by musculoskeletal, congenital, and neurological challenges, as well as equestrians striving for enhanced riding performance.

FAQs

Who do we treat?

We support health and well-being at all stages of life, working with adults and children with or without disabilities, across a range of conditions eg; neurological, musculoskeletal, congenital, respiratory, biomechanical, mental health, trauma and pain.

How do we treat you?

Through innovative working and bespoke treatments for individuals, our physiotherapists use their skills and the dynamic 3-dimensional movement of the equine to achieve optimal health outcomes for people with disabilities and improve performance for horses and their riders.

How does it work?

Groundwork such as Equine Assisted Learning is not performed on the equine but utilises the horse-human interaction together with a coaching-based approach and can hep reduce the anxiety and lack of confidence that are common problems with stress or other mental health concerns. It is a unique learning experience where the horses are active participants/ Some of the activities involve groundwork exercises in an arena that help build a relationship with the horse, and improve confidence and self-esteem.

Are there Hippotherapists in the U.K. and Ireland?

Yes, ACPEA holds the directory for qualified physiotherapists practicing in th UK and Ireland. Hippotherapy (HPT) and Equine Assisted Physiotherapy (EFPT) are adjuncts to physiotherapy. However, hippotherapy is not a qualification on its own. Healthcare professionals must have undertaken a recognised advancing practice qualification.

I am confused by the terminology. Where can I get some clarity for accurate communication and documentation?

Have a look at this Glossary of Terms.

What training do you have?

As qualified physiotherapists, we use our professional expertise and our specialist postgraduate training, at the Masters Level in Equine Assisted Physiotherapy, including Hippotherapy to optimise a horse rider’s performance and treat non-riders who may benefit from interaction with an equine.

Who can provide therapy services that include Hippotherapy or Equine Assisted Therapy?

Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists who have undertaken a recognised advancing practice in Hippotherapy qualification.

Who are you registered with?

We are registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), regulated by our professional body, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and fully insured practitioners.

How can I access the service?

Referrals can be from a range of sources; self-referral, health care professionals, education professionals, parents’guardians, charitable organisations and so on.

Clients will have an initial assessment of needs carried out by the ACPEA physiotherapist, with personal goals and outcomes agreed upon. A treatment or rehabilitation plan will be drawn up that may include functional goals on and off the equine.

How do I find a qualified Hippotherapy or Equine Assisted Therapist?

You can find them by visiting our Find an ACPEA therapist page.

Associate Membership
£35.00
Every year

Non CSP and Retired Physiotherapists; O.T and S.L.T with an interest in Equine Assisted Therapy, Overseas Therapists, Other professionals in the field of equine activities and therapy support workers in association with ACPEA full members.

Benefits to your ACPEA membership

Directory Listing

You can choose to appear on our Find an ACPEA Therapist online directory so that patients and professionals alike can find you and the services you offer.

Exclusive Resources

Monthly bulletins and newsletters with research reports and items of interest. There is also a members handbook and a members only Facebook group.

Student Membership
£20.00
Every year

Student Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists.

Conferences, Courses & AGM

Attend our annual conferences, AGM and courses as well as additional study days and practical workshops.

JOIN ACPEA

Being an ACPEA Member 

Full Membership
£45.00
Every year

Chartered Physiotherapists with HCPC registration, resident in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

Regional Networks

Access a regional network with a named ACPEA regional officer who facilitates networking and study in the region in our Member Login area.

THE LATEST FROM ACPEA

News & Events

Contact us

 

Please use the form below if you wish to contact ACPEA. Please provide a concise message and direct your email to the most appropriate contact for your message.

secretary@acpea.org