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EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY Our organization does not offer Equine-Assisted therapies at this time. However, we do promote this as a valuable therapeutic modality. We highly recommend it, if administered by highly trained practitioners. The use of horses as an aid to healing is referred to as Equine-Assisted Therapy. Equine therapy provides horse-related activities for clients with behavioral, cognitive, mental, physical, or social problems or illnesses. Equine assisted therapies include ground and mounted activities. Treatment may happen in a variety of settings, addressing a broad scope of needs as a result of the diverse therapies available. Most common equine-assisted modalities:
CLASSIC HIPPOTHERAPY - This therapy strictly employs the horse's movements, which, in turn, influences the client. The rider's response is continually monitored. The horse's movement, tempo, and direction amy then be adjusted to alter the client's response. Clients may be positioned backward, forward, prone, or supine. EQUINE ASSISTED PHYSICAL THERAPY / HIPPOTHERAPY - This therapy utilizes Classic Hippotherapy along with other treatment approaches and modalities. Hippotherapy is frequently used asa tool to influence the client's movements and responses. The horse's walk is variable, repetitive, and rhythmic, and is similar to the movement patterns of the healthy human pelvis and hips during walking-type movement. Specific neurosensory and muscular activities happen with the client's body while moving with the horse. by varying the horse's gait, the therapist can alter the sensory input ther the clinet receives, thereby altering the client's responses. Hippotherapy is used to treat choronic illnesses and pain, as well as progressive conditions and diseases. neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and disease; impaired balance, coordination, sensorimotor function; postural problems; spinal curvature; stroke; Cerebral Palsy; Multiple Sclerosis; muscular Dystrophy; Traumatic Brain Injury; and many other conditions may be successfully treated. RELATIONSHIP TRAINING - with the aid of the horse in its usual environment, this therapy focuses on creating a safe setting in which the client has the opportunity to develop outside, or beyond, a specific behavioral or belief framework. using mental focus, along with movement, verbal and non-verbal language or cues, actions, and non-action while interacting with the horse, the client may experience profound personal insight, thus, presenting the foundation for growth and change. Development of compassion, cooperation, patience, trust, enhanced personal awareness, and personal empowerment are among the goals of Relationship Training. EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING - PERSONAL GROWTH & LEARNING ENHANCEMENT - The interaction with the horse provides the forum for cognitive, physical, mental, and emotional growth and learning, encouraging the client to learn about self. Fostering the development of personal insight and awareness, evaluating process, and the development of healthy boundaries and behavior are characteristics of this therapy. |