Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is our largest program and involves one-to-one occupational or physical therapy with incorporation of the equine into the treatment intervention.
Whether on or off the horse, the equine plays a critical role in the achievement of individualized outcomes designed for each participant. Equine-induced movement has proven to be one of the most beneficial forms of therapeutic intervention available.
During skilled clinical direction, the movement of the horse impacts multiple body systems simultaneously including the musculoskeletal system, the sensory systems (vision, vestibular, proprioception, auditory) and the physiological system of respiration. This multi-system impact cannot be duplicated in other treatment situations.
What are the results?
-Improved postural alignment
-Increased speech and communication
-Increased overall strength
-Improvement in fine and gross motor skills
-Improvements in regulation and arousal
-Increased self-care skills
-Emotional well-being support
Who can participate?
Children aged 2 to adulthood. At Exceptional Equestrians we provide life-changing care to people with multiple issues preventing full participation in home, school, and community activities. These may include diagnoses such as Cerebral Palsy or Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorders, Anxiety or Depression. For many, participation in our programs may be to assist with social skills or relationship building. Horses have a magical quality that draws all who work with them in and creates an atmosphere for healing.
What People Are Saying
“The biggest change we have seen since starting Equine Therapy for Malia has been in her confidence with keeping a good posture, which is something we struggled with over the last three to four years.
She also has greatly heightened her interest at home with activities done while she is riding, such as throwing a basketball in a hoop or reaching high for a toy/ring while keeping a tall posture.”
- Malia’s father
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have Emma riding and we have seen significant improvement in her core and balance.
Emma doesn’t realize she is working because she’s having so much fun, when she realizes they are at EE she gets excited!
The staff have been knowledgeable and caring throughout the entire process.”
— Emma’s mother
Lisa Kafka, OTR, HPCS, ESMHL is the director of our hippotherapy program. She is a licensed occupational therapist, a certified hippotherapy clinical specialist through the American Hippotherapy Association, a registered riding instructor, and equine specialist in mental health through PATH International. Lisa is also a certified Neuro-Developmental Treatment therapist.