Hippotherapy

1. Hippotherapy 1st Junior High School of Volos-Greece

2. Introduction Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes the movement of the horse as a strategy by Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction (AHA, 2000). Hippotherapy literally means treatment with the help of a horse, from the Greek word “hippos” (Greek “ίππος”) meaning horse.

3. History • The introduction of the horse in the therapy and education of humans is not a contemporary invention. The concept of hippotherapy finds its earliest recorded mention in the ancient Greek writings of Hippocrates. • Since 17th century, some Germans considered riding as a special intensive exercise of the body • Hippotherapy as a formalized discipline was not developed until the 1960s, when it began to be used in Germany and elsewhere as an adjunct to traditional physical therapy.

4. The role of the horse • The horse's pelvis has a similar 3-dimensional movement to the human's pelvis at the walk. This movement provides physical and sensory input which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. • The 3-dimensional movement of the horse's pelvis leads to a movement response in the patient's pelvis which is similar to the movement patterns of human walking. • A foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing, which can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities and address functional outcomes and therapy goals.

5. Outcomes of hippotherapy • The therapeutic educational riding treats human as a whole being and is effective on: • Psychological level: • Developing self-discipline and patience • Developing self-control and self-respect and responsibility • Reducing introversion • Cultivating respect and love to animals • Developing self-esteem and self-confidence • Overcoming certain fears • Self-knowledge • Motivation

6. Outcomes of hippotherapy (II) • Social level: • In communication (verbal and non-verbal) • Developing team and co-operation and socialization • Developing a relation between the therapist and the trainee • Social interaction: e.g. a)triple interaction among the trainee, the horse and the trainer, b)interaction among the trainee and other riders, horses, the staff of the union and visitors

7. Outcomes of hippotherapy (III) • Physical level: • Reducing spastic and comforting muscle tone • Improving control of head, trank and pulvis • Promoting correct body posture • Improving balance • Promoting and improving walking • Increasing movements of joints • Refusing pathological movements and promoting natural ones • Improving co-ordination • Developing aesthetic-kinetic and vision kinetic system (sense completion) etc.

8. Who can benefit from hippotherapy • Therapeutic educational riding might be applied in people with: • Orthopedic injuries • Cardio respiratory problems • Neurological damages • Psychological difficulties • Visual problems • Learning difficulties • Mental disease • Brain damage at young age (e.g. stroke paralysis) • Multiple sclerosis • Brain damages • …….

9. Who can benefit from hippotherapy(II) Hippotherapywill not replace classical special education physiotherapy, ergotherapy and psychotherapy but it will complete them effectively. In order for the patient to attend the sessions of hippotherapy, his/her doctor has to approve it. In hippotherapy, the following take part in the activity: the horse, the rider, the trainer, the horse guide and their assistants. Through getting know the horse, its care, exercises and games, rides and conversations with people who take part in this activity, the rider develops kinetic, psychological and social skills.

10. Hippotherapy in Greece • In 1983 hippotherapy came to Greece thanks to the initiative and work of Aideen Lewis. • The Therapeutic Riding Association of Greece (TRAG) was established in 1992, as a non-profit,volunteers' organization with a solid social goal; one year later, TRAG was also recognized as a sports organization. • The Greek Scientific Association of Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy (GSATRH), established in 90’s, is a non-profit organization whose focus and goal is the rehabilitation of handicapped children and adults.

11. The “Politropo” project • “Politropo”, a local non-government organization, implemented a pilot programme in 2007-2008 for the access of handicapped people to therapeutic riding. • The programme was implemented in Volos and N. Ionia (prefecture of Magnesia) and it was free for teenagers and adults who took part in it. • It was financed by the European Union (75%) and the Ministry of Occupation and Social Security (25%) and lasted for 1 year. • The programme was supported by the Greek Union of Therapeutic Riding, the Association of Parents and Friends of Magnesia with the co-operation the municipalities of Volos and N. Ionia in Magnesia.

12. References • Wikipedia • Politropo (www.politropo.org/ridding_cure_ENGLISH.htm) • American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) (www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/ • Therapeutic Riding Association of Greece (TRAG) (www.trag.gr/en/know/default.htm)

13. 1st Junior high school of Volos THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION