Making Heads and Tails of Hippotherapy

There continues to be inconsistencies and confusion related to the correct terminology to use when referring to physical therapy intervention utilizing equine movement, hindering its ability to advance as an accepted, evidence-based physical therapy intervention for children with disabilities. This course will assist PTs and PTAs to understand the differences between therapeutic riding, equine-assisted therapy, and hippotherapy and the correct term to use when discussing the inclusion of equine movement into a physical therapy plan of care. The role of equine movement will be explained, including its impact on the sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems. Additionally, the growing body of evidence supporting positive outcomes related to equine therapy will be reviewed. Clinical reasoning tools and intervention ideas will be provided, propelling the audience towards readiness to more fully understand and practice utilizing this specialized treatment tool.