I recently came across a web site and blog that provides hippotherapy information and activities. This is awesome sinc I couldn't find this when I started out 4 years ago and we therapists love resources. check out:
Horses can Help
and the following picture game used during a therapeutic riding lesson.
http://www.horsescanhelp.com/2010/03/09/therapeutic-riding-game/comment-page-1/#comment-31

The kids were all happy today despite the hayfever that is driving me crazy and the cold, wet weather. One little 4 year old was not feeling well, so I didn't push her do to a lot. We spent some time letting her talk into my recorder (that I use for notes) and she was totally fascinated with listening to it. Maybe I will be able to use this as a reinforcement down the road in exchange for doing some challenging work with me. Another little girl with balance problems and gravitational insecurity was willing to stand on top of the stationary horse while we played a game of -she gives me high five/ I make an animal sound/she names the animal. I also do a similar game where the child faces sideways facing me, rotates to give the sidwalker a high 5 who then makes animal sounds. Doing this game while walking in circles (child facing outside the circle) is great for building trunk and abdominal strength.
Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L
HorseOT.com

I haven't been working at the farm this week because I travelled to PA to give a presentation at Austill's Rehabilitation Services. But I still have horses in my life. Last weekend I met this horse (not to close because he bites!) while walking through Boston.

....and this week I came across this pony working in Philadelphia.

Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L

HorseOT.com

Research on Effects of Equine-Assisted Therapies

Parents observe how hippotherapy and other equine assisted therapies help children with autism. But here is a report of some results using evaluation tools that examined sensory processing and social skills before and after treatment. The results are encouraging.
http://www.horsesandhumans.org/HHRF_Final_Report.pdf

Also check out the site that supports this research:http://www.horsesandhumans.org/

Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L
HorseOT.com

Objectives For Treating Sensory Processing Disorder | LIVESTRONG.COM

Objectives For Treating Sensory Processing Disorder. Sensory processing disorder SPD impacts a persons abilities to interpret sensory information such as touch, movement or whether or not two shapes look the same. Individuals with...

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Here's a fun slide show-but I recommend wearing a helmet and do NOT lie down in front of a horse!!


Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L
HorseOT.com

The Recycling Occupational Therapist is now on Facebook

Come join my Facebook page. I am not sure how that differs from a blog but it seems to be the social trend.......The Recycling OT on Facebook.