How the Horse Moves the Rider

This video shows the similarity in horse and human gait! The rotation of the horses pelvis causes the rider's to move laterally-side to side. The lateral flexion of the horse's barrel resulting from the forward swing and reach of the hind leg causes pelvic rotation in the rider. The acceleration of the horse's movement during swing phase of the hind leg and deceleration of the horse's movement at strike and stance of the hind leg cause poster/anterior tilting of the rider's pelvis.

Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L author of, The Recycling Occupational Therapist

HORSEOT.COM

Hippotherapy Precautions and Contraindications

Children should first receive clearance from a physician to be sure that there aren't health reasons that preclude hippotherapy. Contraindications may include: seizure disorders, poor head control, allergies, pain, instability of the spine (spinal fusions), skin compromise, osteoporosis, hip subluxation/dislocation. Patients with hydrocephalous may have difficutly fitting a helmet properly. Thereare other risk factors that should be cleared with the physician such as cardiac and respiratory compromise and axial instability in children with Down's Syndrome.

Another consideration is whether or not to avoid the more intense stimuation provided by trotting. This may be contraindicated in children who have spina bifida, risk of detached retina and Down's syndrome (possible axial instabiity).




Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L author of, The Recycling Occupational Therapist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y5DHpGrg2c

Hippotherapy Mounting and Dismounting

An Occupational therapist shows how to mount and dismount. At the end of sessions, I tell children to hug the pony (around the withers) and bring the leg behind as shown in the video. This provides lots of deep tactile (touch) stimulation as the child slides off the side of the horse.




Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L author of, The Recycling Occupational Therapist