What it is:  Hippotherapy is a specialized style of therapy that uses the horse as a therapy tool. It has been developed to help people with cerebral palsy and neurological injuries caused by a stroke or head trauma. Research shows that therapeutic horseback riding in general (not just Hippothepay) can accomplish more than other forms of traditional therapies in some cases. Many patients with cerebral palsy can achieve more normal balance, posture and movement on a horse. The theory behind hippotherapy is that the pelvic movement of the rider on the horse is the same movement as a walking person.

How it Works:  The specially trained/certified therapist sits behind the patient on the horse to provide support to the head or other limbs, or walks alongside if support is not necessary. The rhythmic motion of the horse tends to reduce the abnormal muscle tone of the rider. The horse's movement is transferred to the rider's pelvis providing a three-dimensional movement pattern for walking. Therapy sessions usually last thirty minutes and can occur several times a week.

Among the physical benefits of hippotherapy are pelvic mobilization, muscle strengthening, and increased balance and coordination. Hippotherapy may also improve respiration, swallowing and sound production. In addition, it motivates individuals to explore, move and touch.

For More Information:  To learn more about Hippotherapy, visit the following Web sites:

United Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

American Hippotherapy Association

Suite 101.com Real People Helping Real People

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is providing basic information and recommends that you seek expert medical advice with regard to Hippotherapy and/or therapeutic horseback riding. UCP's providing this information should not be viewed as an endorsement of the treatment.