Hippotherapy and Equine/horse therapy can be beneficial to the whole family. Evan loves being around horses. They are calming and smell great!
What is Hippotherapy?
Firstly Hippotherapy is not on a Hippo (LOL). Hippo is the ancient greek word for horse.
Hippotherapy is usually carried out with an occupational or physical therapist. When Evan took part in Hippotherapy in China with Eliott's Corner Pediatric Therapy Center, the therapists held Evan on the horse in different positions and walked around the arena holding him. Evan was calmer and less stiff/tight- spastic cerebral palsy, after the sessions and we really looked forward to them.
I wrote this back in 2014 - Evan did hippotherapy today- Therapeutic horseback riding. He had a lovely time, as did the rest of us. He rode Snipper the horse in several different positions. We even met little Eliott. Eliott has CP, when he was born there weren't any services in Beijing suitable for him so his mother started Eliott's Corner and it is thanks to her and her staff that therapy has been available for Evan in China.
What is Equine/Horse Therapy?
Equine/horse therapy usually takes place around the horse but not on the horse. This therapy can involve grooming, feeding, touching and leading the horse. We take part in horse therapy sessions for Evan at Bodsters on the Isle of Wight.
Can Horse Therapy help with Depression/Anxiety/Stress/Sadness?
When I first took my son to Bodsters, I would arrive stressed, anxious and on some days very sad, as life really can be quite challenging! After a few sessions it dawned on me that the sessions were not just for Evan but also for me. Jo and Giles would chat with me and Evan, and Tippy the horse worked her magic on me too. Her big heart calming me. I would always leave feeling better, happier and more positive.
Can you do a Combination of the Two?
Hippotherapy and Equine therapy can be combined and this will depend on the organisation. The Island Riding Center with Tian Hughes and Amy Hose did this with us,(it has changed hands now so watch this space for more information about this location). These were taken a few years ago when Evan would lead the pony in a trot around the yard and also laid on the pony for a walk.
2017- This was written by Tian and the Island Riding Center -Had a great first equine therapy session with this young man. Such an amazing experience for him and myself. Improvement in his sight focus on Alfie, reach to touch and becoming more vocal as the session went on. Look forward to more sessions with him.
Who can benefit from Hippotherapy/Equine/Horse Therapy?
Hippotherapy and Horse/Equine Therapy can help lots of adults and children with different conditions both physical and mental. Some of the benefits include increased core strength, reduced blood pressure, better balance and coordination, as well as improved behaviour and social skills. Read more here. Have a look at the RDA website for more information and read through some of the case studies on Bodsters website.
We love to try different sports with Evan. Have a read here of when Evan took part in adaptive surfing.
Do you take part in an animal therapy? Please tell us about it.
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