Hippotherapy (HT), Therapeutic Riding (ThR) and Riding for the Disabled (RDA)
Hippotherapy:
- Hippotherapy is neurophysiologically based Physiotherapy with the help of the horse. The horse serves as the therapeutic medium by transmitting movement with the patient in the sitting position, posture reflexes are practiced with the aid of the horse’s walk specific forward movement
- Hippotherapy is a dynamic therapy using the multi-dimensional movement of the horse to improve neuromuscular functioning and sensory processing in the rider
- Hippotherapy is medically prescribed treatment technique conducted by health care by professionals who have had the required training and have the certification to prove it
- The goal is rehabilitation through the motion of the horse
- Riding skills are not taught!
- Hippotherapy can be used as a stepping stone to Therapeutic riding
- Hippotherapy requires a therapeutic riding instructor and helpers. All involved this activity including the horse, need to undergospecific training. Otherwise this could potentially be harmful to the student or the horse.
Therapeutic Riding:
- Active riding skills and control of the horse are being taught, in addition to the rider learning to balance and move, sitting astride the moving horse, moving through space. The initial pace used is always the walk, but trotting and cantering can be part of the therapeutic goal
- Physical, emotional, sensorial and tactile disabilities can also be addressed
- Therapeutic Riding taught by a specifically qualified instructor. Helpers would be used according to the rider’s ability. The horse has to undergo specific training.
Riding for the Disabled:
- The rider learns active riding skills with adapted equipment and tailored to the rider’s abilities or physical disabilities. Normal riding skills are taught including dressage tests and riding at different paces. Riders can choose to participate in specific competitions that can lead up to the Paralympics.
- Helpers may be included initially but usually are not required further down the line. RDA has to be instructed by a specifically trained and qualified instructor, who is advised on Horse and of equipment by a specifically trained Physiotherapist.
- Medical guidance and approval is essential for the safety and protection of the student in any of the three disciplines.
- Medical indications and contraindications may differ for referral to either Hippotherapy, Therapeutic riding or Riding for the Disabled!
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