Hippotherapy, or equine facilitated physiotherapy, is a specialised clinical intervention that uses the movements of the horse to achieve functional outcomes. A suitably qualified physiotherapist can use these movements by changing the position of the client on the horse, to achieve the desired response.
Hello I’m Rachel. I qualified as a physiotherapist in 1989 and in hippotherapy in February 2016. For over twenty years I have specialised in the treatment of children and young adults with developmental difficulties, working in a special school and the community. I am registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). I have owned horses for over fifteen years.
How does it work?
As the horse walks it’s pelvis moves through three dimensions of movement, forwards and backwards, side to side and rotational. These movements are the same as those that occur in the human pelvis when walking. The rhythmical, repetitive movements of the horse are transferred to the client who then responds automatically. The client may be positioned lying on their back or front, sitting forward or rear facing, kneeling or even standing with very small children, depending on their individual needs. This results in the stimulation of trunk control, balance, postural alignment, and motor planning, along with many other multisensory effects. In hippotherapy, instead of a saddle a pad or sheepskin is used so that the client can feel the warmth of the horse. This can help to relax muscles and to maximise the effect of the horse’s movement. The shape of the horse can gently stretch tight muscles and provides a base of support from which increasingly challenging activities can be explored.
Assessment by a qualified therapist is essential to ensure the suitability of hippotherapy and the safety of client, horse, and support staff. Riding skills are not taught.
Why the horse?
The horse is very carefully selected and has thorough training before being chosen to facilitate in sessions. A horse walks at a similar pace to a human, approximately 100 steps per minute, resulting in approximately 3000 movements and sensory inputs transferred to, and responses from, the client in a thirty-minute session. Horse and client are paired by selecting a horse that has the most suitable walking pattern, smooth or choppier to fit the client’s needs. An individual who has difficulty walking or moving freely can experience patterns of movement in a controlled and measured way by regulating the speed of the horse’s walk.
Who can benefit from hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy can be helpful for both adults and children, and for a wide variety of conditions, both physical and sensory, such as:
- cerebral palsy
- developmental delay
- congenital syndromes
- traumatic brain injury
- sensory integration
- co-ordination and balance problems
- a combination of these challenges
- and so much more
Who is hippotherapy not recommended for?
There is no upper or lower age limit, but a full history of an individual’s condition is taken before they are accepted for hippotherapy intervention. There are a few situations when hippotherapy would not be recommended but these would be noted during assessment. A suitable horse needs to be available and a safe method of getting the client onto and off the horse. If being on the horse is not possible for whatever reason, sometimes alternative activities from the ground may be suggested. Unfortunately, anyone with severe allergies to horses or their environment or have a fear of the horse would not be encouraged to attend.
Who provides the hippotherapy service?
Hippotherapy at Rocking Horse Physiotherapy is provided by Rachel Shaw and is located at RDA Rossington Hall, near Doncaster.
The service covers the whole of South Yorkshire, including Doncaster, Sheffield, Rotherham, and the surrounding regions.
If you would like further information about accessing hippotherapy, you can contact me by:
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