Hippotherapy is a type of therapy with horses that serves to stimulate the development of the mind and body. It serves to complement the treatment of individuals with disabilities or special needs, such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, hyperactivity, autism, children who are very agitated or have difficulty concentrating, for example. This type of therapy for people with special needs should be done in an appropriate and specialized environment, as the horse must be tame, docile, and well trained so that the person’s development is stimulated and the treatment is not compromised. During all sessions it is important, in addition to the horse trainer, the presence of a therapist, who can be a specialized physiotherapist, psychometrics, or speech therapist, for example, to guide the exercises. Generally, sessions last about 30 minutes, are held once a week, and can be attended by people with special needs regardless of age, unless you have contraindications.
Benefits of hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a great therapeutic option especially for children with special needs, as the exercises performed on the horse alter the response of the central nervous system and allows improvement in posture and perception of movement.
The main benefits of hippotherapy are:
- Development of affection, due to the person’s contact with the horse;
- Stimulation of tactile, visual and auditory sensitivity;
- Improved posture and balance;
- Increases self-esteem and self-confidence, promoting a sense of well-being;
- Improves muscle tone;
- It allows the development of motor coordination and perception of movements.
In addition, hippotherapy makes the person more sociable, facilitating the process of integration in groups, which is very important.
Horse Riding in Autism
However, each child has his or her needs, so exercise can vary from child to child, as well as the time when results can begin to be noticed. Learn about other treatment options for autism.
Hippotherapy in Physiotherapy
The horse is able to transmit rhythmic impulses to the patient’s legs and trunk, leading to contractions and relaxations that facilitate the perception of the body itself, the notion of laterality, and the maintenance of balance.
The results can be seen in a few sessions and, as the treatment is seen in a playful way for the parents and the patient, the feeling of well-being at the end of the session is easily observed.