Occupational Therapy
Did you know that hippotherapy is defined as the use of the movement of a horse as a treatment strategy in the context of occupational, physical or speech/language therapy?
Occupational Therapy, or OT, focuses on helping people be as independent as possible in all areas of their lives with the skills currently held or skills they wish to develop. OT addresses the psychological, social and environmental factors that impact a client’s behavior and development by evaluating the client’s main occupations and meaningful functions.
Scope of equine assisted OT:
Improve physical range of motion and strength
Create harmony with self regulation and sensory integration
Increase motor skills and motor planning
Teach fine motor skills and/or provide adaptive strategies
Address coordination and functional balance
Facilitate age appropriate developmental milestones
Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Manage difficult and self limited behaviors
Enhance confidence and self-esteem with social skills related to peer interaction
Improve cognition and problem solving
Provide a sense of accomplishment via attainable goals and the “just right challenge”