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The term "Equine assisted therapy" describes the use of the horse, its movement and the equine environment by licensed therapists to achieve treatment goals.
The specific practice of using the horse's movement is called "Hippotherapy", which is defined by the American Hippotherapy Association as "a physical, occupational or speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement."
With specific treatment goals, and a prescription which is reviewed and signed by the child's physician, our therapy team directs the movement of the horse to address impairments, functional limitation and disabilities in patients with neurological, muscular and skeletal dysfunctions. This strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program so that children with special needs can better function in everyday life.
Our therapists use horses as their primary treatment strategy. The use of horses offers unique benefits to patients who often have been unresponsive to other therapies. The horse's gentle rhythm and symmetrical gait stimulate the body, muscles, spine and pelvis in a way similar to the human walk, improving balance and coordination and increasing strength and flexibility. While the mechanical benefits of exercising on specially trained horses are substantial, it is the physiological bonding between horse and child that often yields astonishing, seemingly magical results, a concept which is consistent with recent research into the establishment of neurological pathways through emotional reinforcement of physical experiences. The horse's kind, gentle nature and the relationship formed between horse and patient give the patient confidence and build self-esteem. The horse and the beauty of the outdoor environment provide a multitude of physical and psychological benefits.
For each treatment session the therapy team selects the horse and the tack (equipment) best suited to that particular child and the goals of that child's treatment plan.
WHOM DO WE SERVE?
Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation provides occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language therapy for children aged 2 through 18 years with special needs due to their clinical conditions.
The therapists at CFPTF and the Equine Specialists are trained to address the needs of children with neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions, mild to severe sensory integrations processing dysfunction, and expressive/receptive language disorders.
Common clinical conditions our therapists treat include:
Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Vascular Accident, Developmental Delays, Functional Spinal Curvature, Sensory Integrative Dysfunction, Traumatic Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders, Down Syndrome
THERAPEUTIC RIDING
We also offer therapeutic riding sessions. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, horseback riding also provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors. Our long-term goal for our clients is to have them become independent to their greatest ability.
Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation, Inc. is a NARHA member center. Riding classes are taught by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor who has a strong equine background, as well as an understanding of various disabilities. A new rider is generally assisted by two sidewalkers who walk alongside the horse, as well as a horse leader.
