For Patients
Everything you need to know about Hippotherapy and how it can help you as a patient.
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.
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 Fascilitated 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.
RESOURCES
Information about Hippotherapy
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