Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational or speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy is utilized as part of an in integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.
It is a division of therapeutic riding, using the rhythmical and repetitive movement of the horse (similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis when walking) and the body's natural tendency to adjust to this movement to focus on developing balance, body awareness, posture, coordination, and muscle tone in the rider.
Wenanita has carried out hippotherapy sessions with children under the care of Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang, the only psychiatric hospital in Sabah. Currently, it is a referral hospital for all psychiatric cases throughout Sabah.
The first part of the session focuses on acclimation. For many, getting situated on the horse or device poses challenges, especially for beginners. Once situated in a comfortable straddle, the next goal is to find balance and slowly ease into the movement of the horse’s gait.
As with any ride or moving mechanism, movements begin slow and at a gentle pace, allowing the rider to acclimate to the motion, feeling, and overall experience. From there, various skill tasks and specified training get added on.
