Hippotherapy means ‘treatment with the help of a horse’ and it's gaining popularity around the country as a therapy for children who have Cerebral Palsy.

Many clinics are offering hippotherapy and therapeutic horse back riding for children with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. The warmth of the horse stimulates the muscles, movement simulates human walking and, for the first time, many of the kids actually feel what walking is like.

Therapists say along with the physical results, this type of therapy allows these children to leave behind the wheelchairs and crutches and experience a ‘sport’, just like other children. There are no clinics here, just a barn, so it doesn’t feel like therapy and it excites the kids who LOVE the horses.

Michael Key brought his daughter at 4 years old and says she now walks better and more importantly smiles more. He says this has really made her happy and that’s what he enjoys most about the progress she’s made.

Tammy Cadman’s daughter, Emily, had problems sitting up and couldn’t balance very well before therapy. Now, she has more strength and is becoming more independent at home. She also loves the horses and can’t wait to get to therapy.

Amy Rozumalski’s little girl, Ali, had no trunk control and was very shaky. Because of hippotherapy, she can now walk, has more confidence and loves to try more things.

The parents, featured on this promotional video, all report progress with walking, balance, and muscle control. In addition, and what seems to please them the most, is the confidence, happiness and excitement their kids feel as a result of this therapy.
 
There are clinics that provide Hippotherapy all over the country and rates are usually comparable with those of traditional physical and occupational therapy sessions.
 
For more information on Hippotherapy or to find a clinic near you:  www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org