Photo by Jennifer Lee
What is Adaptive (Therapeutic) Riding?
Adaptive Riding, otherwise known as Therapeutic Horseback Riding, is a riding lesson that is adapted to meet the individual needs of the rider. The goal in an adaptive riding lesson is to teach the rider how to ride the horse as independently as possible. In other words, in adaptive riding, the rider learns to influence the horse. Adaptive riding lessons are conducted by instructors certified through The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH), formerly known as NARHA, who have additional training and knowledge in working with individuals with a variety of needs or abilities.
For more information please visit PATH’s website: http://www.pathintl.org/
Reining Liberty Ranch has a partnership with Therapeutic Riding of Traverse and Making Strides Therapeutic Services, as well as local instructors currently in training to offer adaptive riding lessons.
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Speech and Language Therapy that utilizes the unique movement of the horse as part of a comprehensive treatment plan in order to reach therapeutic goals. When a therapist uses hippotherapy as a treatment technique, they are using the movement of the horse to influence the client. Therapists who utilize hippotherapy in sessions should have horse experience and additional training through the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). (And no, it does not use a hippopotamus. “Hippos” is the Greek word for horse.)
To learn more about hippotherapy, please visit AHA’s website:
http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/hippotherapy/hippotherapy-as-a-treatment-strategy/
Reining Liberty Ranch has a partnership with Making Strides Therapeutic Services to offer occupational therapy using hippotherapy.
Occupational Therapy: OT’s help give you the tools for living, or occupation. OT’s evaluate a person’s ability to participate in daily life activities across the lifespan, determine barriers, and utilize appropriate treatment techniques to restore function and reach client goals. http://www.aota.org/Consumers.aspx
Physical Therapy: PT’s help to get you where you need to go. Following an evaluation, PT’s use treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. http://www.apta.org/AboutPTs/
Speech and Language Pathology: SLP’s help you to communicate effectively. They identify, assess, and treat speech and language disorders, including swallowing disorders. http://www.asha.org/
