Hippotherapy

Equine assisted therapy

From ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’: Stewartville wheelchair camp fosters community, confidence

“If you come and watch and participate, you will witness some of the greatest triumphs of the human spirit,” National Wheelchair Sports Camp founder Bob Bardwell said. Wheelers engage with musician Tony Melendez during National … READ MORE

People with Down syndrome are living longer, but the health system still treats many as kids

Marilyn Lesmeister sits with her daughter Samantha “Sammee” Lesmeister after Sammee’s horse riding lesson in Cole Camp, Missouri. Sammee Lesmeister is one of a growing number of adults living with Down syndrome. More than … READ MORE

Equine-facilitated therapy improved the functioning of patients with low back pain

Patients with chronic low back pain may benefit from equine-facilitated therapy (EFT), a new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows. During a 12-week intervention, the perceived amount of pain decreased, and the ability of … READ MORE

Lethbridge charity helps kids, young adults with special needs through horseback riding

Program helps people with various physical and mental disabilities, says executive director. The Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association provides adaptive riding programs for children and young adults with special needs. Saloni … READ MORE

Horse riding confirmed as a viable mobility treatment for cerebral palsy

The study shows that functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy can be improved through physical interaction with horses. Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Mt. Kisco, NY. Endeavor provides a wide scope of fun filled … READ MORE

‘Some people describe it as being magical’: Horses provide a unique form of relaxation therapy for front-line workers

Gravel roads crunching under tires; chirping birds overhead silencing the highway hum; and a dozen well-groomed horses, manes braided, picking at their nets of hay – those are the sights and sounds that greet stressed-out … READ MORE

Therapeutic horseback riding combined with cognitive exercises can help children with ADHD and Autism

Therapeutic horseback riding combined with brain-building exercises can improve the dexterity, coordination and strength of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, shows a study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Whispering … READ MORE

6-legged “horse” rides to the rescue

Hippotherapy device could help patients recover movement, balance. Rice University students are working toward a long-standing goal of making the benefits of hippotherapy – equine-assisted therapy – available to those without … READ MORE

Therapeutic horse riding and adaptive sports groups share knowledge

Noriko Ohsada and her daughter Meg meet with Rundle Riders Therapeutic Riding Association instructor Sue Clark at an information session with Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports and guest speakers at St. Michael’s Anglican Church hall on … READ MORE

Paralympic dream for rider with cerebral palsy

Kim Scott’s goal is to represent Canada and won’t let anything, including cerebral palsy, get in her way. Kim Scott is spending five days training to achieve her dream of representing Canada at the Paralympics. Arnold Lim, Black … READ MORE

Simulated horseback riding helpful in treating children with cerebral palsy

Robotically assisted hippotherapy, a type of therapy that simulates the repetitive and rhythmic movement of a horse, has the potential to improve trunk control and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy, according to science … READ MORE

New Edmonton equine centre eases waiting list for popular riding therapy program

The new Whitemud Equine Learning Centre officially opened in October. Indoor washrooms, a roof that doesn’t leak and above-freezing temperatures allows for year-round riding. Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association. Programs for … READ MORE

Young patients with cerebral palsy, other disabilities, benefit from therapeutic horseback riding

About 20 young Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) patients with cerebral palsy or other physical challenges had the opportunity to go horseback riding recently, an accomplishment many “didn’t realize they could achieve,” as one … READ MORE

Everything you need to know about horse therapy

More and more Canadians are horsing around with their healthcare. Horse therapy, also known as equestrian or equine-assisted therapy, is a versatile treatment program that has patients galloping to ranches and stables to recover from … READ MORE

Horseback riding improves children’s cognitive ability

Study shows how the effects of horseback riding improve learning in children. Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health shows that the effects of vibrations produced by horses during horse-riding lead to the activation … READ MORE

Ballet improves balance, social skills in children with cerebral palsy

Classical ballet classes may help improve balance while enhancing social skills in school-aged children with cerebral palsy (CP), according to a new study. Ballet Academy East, New York. Photo Rosalie-O’Connor Joana Fernandes PhD, … READ MORE

The horse is the therapist

With hippotherapy, the horse provides the therapy. Three-year-old Jack Foster sat on his mother’s lap as she wrapped a towel carefully around his neck. “Jack has cerebral palsy and low muscle tone,” said his mother, Emily … READ MORE

It’s a horse, of course: equine therapy

The horse simulator was created at Rice’s Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen, where students have all the resources they need to design and build projects. Here, students Jaime Gomez and Amy Ryu prepare to test their device, intended … READ MORE

Horses sooth the soul for special needs kids

The healing power of equine therapy. A pink-haired teenager painted two pictures on the side of her massive, living canvas. First, the girl drew a picture of a broken heart and a horse. Then, she used the paint to sketch a person and … READ MORE