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What are some differences between Therapeutic Riding (TR) and Hippotherapy (HPOT)? |
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Therapeutic Riding (TR) |
Hippotherapy (HPOT) |
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Who Does it?
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Typically 1:1 at our facility but can be a group setting of 2 or more riders. Supervised and directed by a certified instructor, often executed with the assistance of volunteers. |
1:1 therapy treatment with a licensed therapist, can be PT, OT, or Speech Pathologist. Performed using the horse as a 3-dimensional moving surface. Volunteer and/or certified instructor assistants. |
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What kind of training?
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Education: Certified instructors (NARHA formal testing and observed practical teaching evaluation) knowledge of horseback riding techniques, horse care, horse selection and rider disabilities. Trained in safety rules and teaching techniques. May obtain different levels of instructor certification. Continuing education required.
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Education: HPOT must be completed by a licensed therapist (OT, PT, SLP – medical professional degree), thus having a more thorough knowledge of disabilities. Has received training on how to use the horse’s movement to affect different postural/sensory-motor changes. Has a basic horse knowledge and must either be assisted by or be certified as a NARHA instructor with a more thorough knowledge of horses. Continuing education required. |
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| How? |
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Horseback riding skills are the focus, educational frame of reference. |
More specific therapy based goals, biomedical, neurological, or sensory integrative frame of reference. |
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| What does the horse do? |
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Provides sensory integrative, neuromuscular, and strengthening benefits through horsemanship related activities. |
Movement of the horse is specifically selected and used to impact desired changes within a client. |
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| what else is used? |
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Equipment used typically encourages independent balance and riding positions/disciplines. May include bareback pads, saddles, reins, and other riding equipment. |
End goal is not necessarily riding. Different positions and equipment selections are used to illicit desired response. May include bareback pads, saddles and other supportive equipment. |
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| Who should participate? |
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May be more appropriate for less involved (physically, mentally) clients who want social aspect of a sport along with strengthening, or as an adjunct to therapy for someone already receiving PT, OT, or ST. It is recommended that students are able to sit independently. Many of the inherent benefits to horseback riding (trunk strength, stretch to legs, modulation of sensory input) still apply. Refer to contraindications. |
May be more appropriate for clients desiring a more specific functional change. If followed up with ground activity may replace either PT, OT, ST or be used in accordance with a more traditional therapy approach. More appropriate than TR for individuals with decreased sitting balance/trunk control (although must possess basic head control for either program). Refer to contraindications.
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| How do I pay? |
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Out of pocket expense, but more affordable if not going through insurance. Insurance will not cover TR. Same cost as independent riding lessons, payable at time services are provided. |
Some insurance companies will cover HPOT as an OT, PT, or ST treatment. Payment is expected at time of treatment with a receipt provided by the licensed therapist for insurance submittal.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 May 2009 14:36 |