What Is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is the name given to treatment applied using the multidimensional movement of the horse. In Ancient Greek, hippos means horse. Historically, the therapeutic benefits of the horse were recognised around 460 BC. Used intensively since the 1950s and today applied in dedicated hippotherapy centres abroad under the supervision of physiotherapists, hippotherapy is also widely used in Türkiye.
Benefits
- Develops a correct gait pattern.
- Increases mobility of the pelvic and lumbar joints.
- Improves posture by increasing head and trunk control.
- Develops trunk balance by stimulating balance reactions.
- Provides coordination and concentration between movements.
- Develops muscle strength by increasing muscle tone.
- Improves joint mobility.
- Develops the cardiovascular system and stimulates metabolism.
- Develops the respiratory system.
- Reduces spasticity and contractures.
- Reduces or eliminates pathological reflexes.
- Improves bladder control and reduces bowel problems by stimulating bowel movement.
- Develops social communication and speech skills.
- Builds self-confidence.
Who Is It For?
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Multiple sclerosis
- Down syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism
- Hyperactivity
- Psychological disorders
- Hearing disorders
- Spinal cord injuries
- Learning and speech disorders
- Developmental anomalies
- Obesity
Depending on the age group and the nature of the treatment, health professionals such as physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and psychologists should be consulted. Because children perceive the session as play rather than therapy, they thoroughly enjoy the process.