Trust, joy, confidence, and connection with peers are important for any child. Different therapies can be used to facilitate those feelings for children with disabilities, including animal-assisted therapy. Fostering a bond between a human and animal can promote psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. Specifically, horses can help to facilitate those goals in therapies known as equine therapy and hippotherapy.
What’s the difference between equine therapy and hippotherapy?
While both of these types of therapy involve horses, equine therapy and hippotherapy serve different purposes. Equine therapy focuses on the mental, emotional, and social benefits of caring for and riding horses. Hippotherapy focuses on the physical stimulation of horseback riding, which can help with motor disorders and balance.
What is equine therapy?
Equine therapy is the therapeutic use of horseback riding to benefit children with a broad range of needs and abilities. Animal caretaking, horseback riding skills, balance, and muscle strength are developed through equine therapy. Additionally, children can develop social, emotional, and life skills through this fun and engaging activity. Learning horseback riding offers opportunities to bond with animals and other riders. Working with animals provides a judgment-free zone to help settle anxiety and build confidence.
Many equine therapy programs across the United States are part of PATH International, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. According to PATH International, equine-assisted therapy is used to pursue specific rehabilitative goals based on the person’s medical needs through the equine environment and equine activities.
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What is hippotherapy?
Though both involve horseback riding, hippotherapy is distinctly different from equine therapy. Hippotherapy is a type of occupational therapy that uses the movement of a horse to provide benefits to children with motor disorders like cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy is administered by a professional in occupational, physical, or speech-pathology therapy who is trained to incorporate equine movements to engage neuromotor, cognitive, and sensory systems.
The repetitive gait and the rocking motion of the horse resemble the movements required in walking. Hippotherapy has been known to improve posture, muscle tone, flexibility, balance, and other skills. Many facilities across the country are part of the American Hippotherapy Association.
How can I find hippotherapy programs near me?
There are several facilities across the state of Michigan that offer therapeutic programs involving horses. Use our list below to find one local to your area:
Western Michigan
Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center: Group and private therapeutic horseback riding lessons. Located in Augusta.
Karin’s Horse Connection and Legacy Stables: Therapeutic horseback riding and adaptive vaulting programs. Located in Caledonia.
Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Inc: Equine therapy for people living with physical, mental, and social challenges in Rockford.
Southeast Michigan
OATS – Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles: Equine therapy, events, and day camp programs. Located in Ortonville.
Therapeutic Riding, Inc.: A PATH International member center and a USEF/USPEA Para-Equestrian Dressage Center of Excellence that offers equine therapy and summer camps. Located in Ann Arbor.
Pretty Pony Pastures: Therapeutic riding classes and events. Located in Davisburg.
Forever Free Inc.: A center that provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons and supportive independent housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. Located in St. Clair.
Mid-Michigan
MSU 4-H Proud Equestrians Program: A therapeutic horseback riding program through MSU in East Lansing.
Tall in the Saddle: A 4-H Exceptional Riders Program that provides therapeutic riding to people with disabilities in Midland.
Exceptional Horseback Riders of Saginaw County: Equine-assisted therapy and activities for individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. Located in Saginaw.
The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning: Therapeutic riding programs and other outdoor programs for individuals with disabilities. Located in Mayville.
CHUM Therapeutic Riding: Riding opportunities for individuals with a wide range of abilities. Located in Dansville.
Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan Equine Therapy: A non-profit outpatient rehabilitation facility that uses equine assisted therapy and hippotherapy. Located in Boyne City.
Disclaimer: Please note this post is meant as a resource. ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers does not provide equine therapy or hippotherapy. Please contact each business individually in order to schedule appointments or inquire about their therapy programs.
