Hi Has Anyone Tried Hippotherapy ( Horse Back Riding ) What Did You Think About It ? Debbie

Hi,

I never had horsebackriding therapy, but I did ride a horse once when I was younger and it was a little scary at first but fun! I would imagine that it would be helpful for stretching the muscles of someone with spastic CP...I know it helped me slightly and I only did it once.

This website has some good info about it: http://www.twinenterprises.com/cp/hippotherapy/articles/cp.htm


Hope that helps

I did therapeutic horseback riding as a child, (ages 6-11) and it was a great experience. One thing that 's so beneficial about it is that the motion of the moving horse mimics natural gait. So, the person with CP gets a feel for how they should move. I often rode bareback, and found that the warmth of the horse helped make the adductor stretch less painful. It's great for balance, and great for self-confidence as well. I was a fearful little kid who would cry all the way to riding lessons every week because "I didn't want to go". I always came home smiling, though. :) I'd love to ride again as an adult. Great memories!

Nicki

I did hippotherapy for the first time when I was 14 and 15, twice a week for about 6-8 weeks (I don't remember exactly) during a treatment course in a spa town.
Now at 29 I have just started it again, 2 weeks ago and I just love it :D The horse is a bit lazy and the people from the farm don't have too much experience with disabled so far but they are nice and creative :D

Kat