Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy refers not to hippopotamuses’, but to how therapists (Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech & Language Therapists) reach therapeutic goals, using the purposeful manipulation of a horse’s movement to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to achieve functional outcomes.

It is not a riding lesson – the aim is to improve function, using the movement of the horse.

Watch our video on the magic of hippotherapy

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The horses unique movement activates the sensory system and helps the brain write new neural pathways.

For each step the horse takes, the child has to adjust their balance 8 times. In a half-hour session, the child gets the equivalent of 2,000 to 3,000 steps. The horses inimitable movement, targets every aspect of the neurological system. Sudden stops and starts, changes of direction etc, all challenge the child’s balance, trunk stability and posture. This input cannot be replicated by anything on the ground.

If a child has a disability which qualifies them for therapy, Hippotherapy is an option.

Horses just seem to get everything working better, whilst the children just think they are having fun!

Parents may consider Hippotherapy if their child:

Leans against surfaces, slides out of chairs, and bumps into things, indicating poor body awareness and postural control.
Seeks a lot of intense movement and avoids sitting long enough to manipulate objects such as crayons or puzzles.
Has difficulty following directions and communicating.
Struggles with emotional and sensory regulation.
Difficulties with core strength, motor planning, coordination, self-confidence, concentration and even speech.
Enquire about Hippotherapy today

What parents are saying…

I am very positive and grateful for this therapy. In a very short time I could see a lot of small changes in my son. I would love to continue with hippotherapy to see more and more results. This is just the most enjoyable therapy out there.

Mar-Louise Pretorius

We decided to try my son with hippotherapy because the research I had done showed that it helps with OT & emotional needs of a child. We had been struggling with behaviour problems & anxiety. My son was receiving OT already, but once he started doing the OT on horseback, there was a big improvement all round. He is eager to go to the sessions & can relate well to Razzle who has been a perfect pony. Emma has guided him skilfully through the exercises & dealt with challenging behaviour that he gives whenever he decides that he won't be doing something. The biggest improvement we have seen is in his emotional regulation & connection to people around him. This has definitely improved since he started hippotherapy. A huge thank you to Emma for providing this therapy that has been such a huge benefit to my little boy & his whole family.

Liz Unwin

My son has been doing Hippotherapy for just over a year with Emma. The improvement in that time has been amazying & best of all he really enjoys it.

Linnet Crow

My daughter had a rocky start and OT became a way of life for her. We started with normal OT sessions. Emma then suggested we try Hippotherapy for a while and see where it takes us. Well we never expected what we are seeing now. A confident little girl who has achieved so much over the past nearly year of Hippotherapy. An overall change in her that just cannot be explained and still look at her thinking how far she has come and changed for the better. We have to thank Emma and Helen for everything!

Deirdre Lessing

My little man started hippotherapy last year. Being a medical professional myself, I was very sceptical about this Hippotherapy, but my son needed help and the science of the therapy made so much sense. So off we went... And we have never looked back. Not for a second. Before Hippotherapy my son, at the age of 3, could not speak. He was friendly and happy and severely epileptic, with no understandable spoken language. Within a few weeks the development in his language and improvement in his overall wellbeing was phenomenal. He loves Hippo & loves his therapist and each day I can hear & see the benefits of Hippotherapy through the happy chatter of my little boy. Thanks Emma!

Joanne Botha

Meet our amazingbeautifulgentle ponies!

Razzle
MrSlim
Jo
Misty

Hippotherapy offers a truly remarkable and distinctive approach to therapy for children. The dynamic interaction between the child and the horse creates a powerful therapeutic environment that stimulates physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. The rhythmic and multidimensional movement of the horse provides sensory input that helps improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength while also promoting sensory integration.

Beyond the physical benefits, the bond formed between the child and the horse fosters emotional connection, confidence, and self-esteem. This unique combination of physical activity and emotional engagement makes hippotherapy an incredibly effective tool for addressing a wide range of developmental challenges.

By harnessing the inherent qualities of the horse, hippotherapy empowers children to achieve meaningful progress and reach their full potential in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Start your Hippotherapy journey today!
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