Hippotherapy is one of the equine facilitated therapies offered at SaddleUp!™; the other is equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP). Equine facilitated therapies are provided by a licensed medical professional and utilize the movement of the horse and/or horse as a partner, as a treatment strategy throughout therapy sessions in order to meet the participant’s therapy goals.

Hippotherapy is a core program offered at SaddleUp! Foundation because it is a treatment strategy that is facilitated in an equine environment, therefore, making the experience of ‘therapy’ much more enjoyable. Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy for physical, occupational, speech and/or language therapy sessions for individuals with special needs. It is a term used to describe a treatment strategy, to improve neuromuscular function that utilizes the movement of the horse as part of a treatment strategy. The horses’ movement translates through the body, causing many parts of the participant’s body to engage. The therapist and/or equine professional can modify the horse's movement to promote specific responses from the participant.  It requires a physician's release/approval.

Hippotherapy promotes and/or improves:

• Joint mobility
• Balance
• Posture, circulation and muscle tone
• Motor development
• Spasticity
• Physical stamina
• Emotional well-being
• Sensorimotor integration

Why Horses?
Hippotherapy literally translated from the Greek word, “hippos” means horse. The natural movement of the horse is used to help individuals with special needs increase their functional abilities and achieve greater independence. Horses are used because a horse 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. As the horses’ movement changes the therapist assesses the degree of input to the participant, and can therefore determine other movements and/or other treatment strategies to achieve desired goals.

Hippotherapy can be beneficial to individuals with any number of physical and/or cognitive disabilities whose disabilities limit physical movement, coordination, balance, postural symmetry, decreased mobility, strength, sensory integration and the ability to relate to others.

What is a Hippotherapist?
The term ‘hippotherapist’ is often used to describe the therapist who does Hippotherapy; there is in fact no such thing.  A person conducting a Hippotherapy session is a physical, occupational, speech, or language therapist who has been trained in Hippotherapy.  Hippotherapy is the treatment strategy used by the medical professional to achieve the desired goals.

Let’s Get A Little Bit Closer Now – Putting it all Together!
The benefits of equine facilitated therapies have been recognized for many years. It is a proven method of increasing the physical, mental, emotional and developmental capabilities for individuals with special needs, functional limitation and/or medical challenges. There is a healing interaction between horses, participants, therapists, equine professionals, instructors and the volunteers who assist them during the session. The team dynamic provides an atmosphere that can produce dramatic and lasting benefits. In order to create a successful session, there needs to be a variety of elements in place depending upon a participant’s individual challenges, strengths and goals, the level of assistance needed that all equate to a successful session:
The horse is chosen with consideration of the participant’s needs and ability in addition to the movement of the horse.

The content of the session is determined by the therapist. The goal set is specific to the participant’s needs and abilities and based on individual therapy goals. Riding and horsemanship skills will not be completed during Hippotherapy.

The participant’s team of volunteers provides moment-to-moment support, and keeps the participant safe, on the ground and focused on the session. Trust and positive social interactions result from the participant’s relationships with their volunteers. Volunteers play key roles during the session such as sidewalkers, spotters, and/or horse leaders.

The relationship between horse and participant is typically one of deep trust and affection, strengthened by increased interaction as the participant continually interacts with the horse. Participants often end the session by hugging and kissing their horses or by sneaking a carrot or two in their feed bucket!

Rest assured, we spend countless hours desensitizing our horses in order to provide an arena for equine facilitated activities and therapies 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 is proud of our “mother approved” herd.

SaddleUp! Foundation is unique for many reasons, but one we are very proud of is that the cost of Hippotherapy to our families is minimal, compared to other facilities.  SaddleUp! Foundation covers all the costs involved with providing Hippotherapy except for a minimal fee of $55 paid to the therapist, which may be reimbursed by insurance. However, our goal is to raise enough funds to cover the $55 fee for each family.

Our environment is also unique. We have a facility that can accommodate the entire family. Our staff and volunteers interact closely with participants with special needs as well as their siblings and parents. Participants are encouraged to bring their entire family in order to share in the experience at the facility by watching the therapeutic lessons or by relaxing, reading a book, painting crafts, playing games, watching a movie, taking a walk or playing on the swing set. 

The Foundation works in conjunction with other programs by accepting referrals and referring when appropriate. Most programs operate with waiting lists and are located in different parts of the metro area. Other participants are referred to the program by Children's Hospital, Oasis Network, Mental Health Association, Denver Options, Developmental Pathways, Douglas County Wrap Around, NARHA - formerly known as North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, CHA - Certified Horsemanship Association, physical and occupational therapists, and by parents.
We invite you to learn more about us online at www.SaddleUpFoundation.org