Therapeutic riding and hippotherapy are two different animals so to speak
(hey, I made a pun<grin>.  Therapeutic riding programs usually the goal is
more of a recreational nature, learing to ride, riding, having fun.  The
activities may have the added physical, psychosocial, recreational benefit.
In hippotherapy the horse is used as a big therapy ball.  Mind you a couple
hundred pound, furry, nipping, neighing, eating machine therapy ball but, a
therapy ball non the less.  Hippotherapy is generally run by occupational,
physical, and sometimes even speech therapists.
Either program for maximum effectiveness should be run by someone with
experience and should be approved by some organizition usually NARHA.

Beth T the OT
-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List

To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: (no subject)


Jennifer,

I began therapeutic horseback riding 6 weeks ago and have noticed an
improvement in my hip flexibility and range of motion.  Plus, it is fun!
The program I am in isn't traditional hippotherapy since there is no PT or
OT on site, but the instructor is able to consult with a PT for ideas.  The
next 6 week session begins next week so I can share more then.

Linda  (30 yr. old elementary teacher with spastic cp)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jennifer Iocovello"
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2003 11:15 AM
Subject: (no subject)


> Hello It's Jennifer ... I just subscribed to the mailing list.. As I sent
out
> in a previous email, I am an occupational therapy student interested in
> learning about treatment interventions for cerebral palsy. Has anyone
heard
> anything about the effectiveness of Hippotherapy in treating this
condition?
>
> Thank You
> Jennifer =)
>