Through this program, the Foundation provides therapeutic horseback riding to children ages two and above with disabilities such as, but not limited to, Autism, traumatic paralysis, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Prader-Willy Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis. Hippotherapy is a medical treatment provided by a licensed physical, occupational or speech therapist. It requires a physician's prescription.
Hippotherapy is a term used to describe therapeutic horseback riding and the use of the movement of a horse as part of a treatment strategy used by therapists. The natural movement of the horse is used to help individuals with disabilities increase their functional abilities and achieve greater independence. The horses movement translates through the body, causing many parts of the student's body to do the work. The therapist can modify the horse's movement to promote specific responses within the student. Horses are used because a horse pelvis moves in the same three ways as a human pelvis does. This creates a movement pattern similar to human walking. The horse also provides sensory input that promotes increased motor function. Hippotherapy can be beneficial to individuals with any number of physical and/or cognitive disabilities whose disabilities limit physical movement, strength, sensory integration and the ability to relate to others.
Hippotherapy has been shown to provide (Federation of Riding for the Disabled International, 2006):
- Improvement in joint mobility, balance and coordination
- Relaxation of spasticity
- Increased muscle power
- Increased self-confidence through improved self-image
- Improved learning, concentration, spatial awareness
- Motivation to set and achieve goals
Specifically, Hippotherapy has been shown to significantly impact leg muscle activity in children with Cerebral Palsy (Benda, 2004) and significantly decrease energy expenditure during walking and significantly increase scores on walking, running and jumping of the gross motor function measure in another group of physically disabled children (McGibbon, 1998).
Rest assured, we spend countless hours desensitizing our horses in order to provide an arena for learning that is as safe as possible. Even well-seasoned horses have been faced with objects or situations that are confusing, if not downright terrifying. We proactively train to cope with these reactions on a regular basis. Although there is no such thing as a bomb-proof horse, the SaddleUp! Foundation proud of our mother approved herd.
SaddleUp! Foundation is unique because it covers all the costs involved except for a minimal fee of $55 paid to therapists which is reimbursable by insurance. Other centers charge anywhere from $125 to $250 per session. Our environment is also unique. We have a facility that can accommodate the entire family. Our staff and volunteers interact closely with students with disabilities as well as siblings and parents.
The Foundation's equine educational students volunteer with the Hippotherapy students and their siblings by organizing games and teaching them about horses and riding. This allows the entire family to become involved in the caring for and learning of horses.
The Foundation works in conjunction with other programs such as Praying Hands Ranch by accepting referrals and referring when appropriate. All of these programs operate with waiting lists and are located in different parts of the metro area, so there is little competition for clients. Other students are referred to the program by Children's Hospital, Oasis Network, Adam's Camp, physical and occupational therapists, and by parents.
