Wesley

Pacheco
LEI 4724
Activity: Horseback Riding (hippotherapy)

Source: Dattilo, J. (2000). Therapeutic Horseback Riding. In Facilitation techniques in
therapeutic recreation (2nd ed., pp. 320-325). State College, PA: Venture.

Equipment Needed: Horse, harnesses, instructor

Description:

Have participants listen to the instructor and put on all necessary equipment
for safety concerns. Have instructor or participant get on the horse and take a few
laps slowly around the riding area. Then progress if possible to faster longer rides.
Group size should be 1.

Leadership Consideration:
The facilitator should watch for any risks and cheer the participant on,
encouraging them for participating in such an adventurous and brave activity. Safety
considerations are falling off the horse, which can be limited by having good
harnesses and wearing protective gear.
Autism disrupts the way a child reacts to his surroundings, causing him to
exhibit strange and sometimes disturbing behaviors that differ dramatically from
those of typical children. Clients with autism can benefit from the steady rhythm of
the horse, as it can be calming for people with autism. Adaptations could include
modified harnesses to help secure the patient to the horse. Also, the use of ramps to
help mount the horse is a common use of adaptation.
Patients with Huntingtons disease suffer from trouble thinking, depression,
and coordination problems affecting balance. The horses pelvis has a similar
movement to the human pelvis. This provides physical and sensory input, which is
variable, rhythmic and repetitive. Adaptations include rider positioning which helps
the participant respond to the horses movement.