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

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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

Hippotherapy and Visual Perceptual Skills

Between 2 and 3 years of age children learn many matching skills such as identifying and matching pictures and fitting simple non-interlocking puzzle pieces into a board. These skills can be reinforced during the hippotherapy session. It is easiest for children to work on puzzles while facing backwards on the horse using the wide surface of the horse's croup. The animal puzzle shown here is placed inside a box with the puzzle pieces attached to the box lid with velcro. This makes the task easier for child and therapist to manage. Children can work on balance while naming animals and making their sounds.

The opportunity to choose which animal picture to look for is fun and promotes communication skills. I use a small photo album filled with animal pictures that match larger pictures attached to the walls in the arena.

This puzzle has the picture of each animal inside the puzzle board so that the child knows exactly what the piece looks like. Therapists can attach the puzzle pieces to walls in the arena so that children can look for them while riding. Children are encouraged to pull the reins and say "whoa" when their horses approach the needed piece. This activity develops scanning skills.

This photo album requires the child to match below the same picture. It is a relatively easy task since there will be only two choices. Children work on balance while reaching for the cards or they can work on bilateral hand skills by taking the pictures out of a small bag that they hold.

As children develop matching skills offer boards with a greater number of pictures to increase the challenge.

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

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