Hippotherapy and equine assisted activities and therapies are both forms of therapy that use horses as part of the treatment. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Hippotherapy, also known as horseback riding therapy, is a type of physical, occupational, or speech therapy that uses the movement of a horse to provide sensory input and improve motor skills. This therapy is typically performed by a licensed therapist who is trained in both therapy and equine movement, and is often used to treat conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, and developmental delays.
Equine assisted activities and therapies, on the other hand, are more focused on the psychological and emotional benefits of interacting with horses. These therapies are often led by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or social worker, and can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
One key difference between hippotherapy and equine assisted activities and therapies is the way the horse is used in the therapy. In hippotherapy, the horse is used as a tool to provide sensory input and improve motor skills, whereas in equine assisted activities and therapies, the horse is used as a partner in the therapy, providing emotional support and helping the client to develop trust and communication skills.
Another difference is the type of therapist who leads the sessions. In hippotherapy, the therapist is typically a physical, occupational, or speech therapist, whereas in equine assisted activities and therapies, the therapist is typically a mental health professional.
Overall, both hippotherapy and equine assisted activities and therapies are effective forms of therapy that use horses as part of the treatment. While they have some similarities, they also have key differences in the way the horse is used and the type of therapist who leads the sessions.
The Difference Between Hippotherapy and Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies
Hippotherapy and equine assisted activities and therapies are both forms of therapy that use horses as part of the treatment. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Hippotherapy, also known as horseback riding therapy, is a type of physical, occupational, or speech therapy that uses the movement of a horse to provide sensory input and improve motor skills. This therapy is typically performed by a licensed therapist who is trained in both therapy and equine movement, and is often used to treat conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, and developmental delays.
Equine assisted activities and therapies, on the other hand, are more focused on the psychological and emotional benefits of interacting with horses. These therapies are often led by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or social worker, and can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
One key difference between hippotherapy and equine assisted activities and therapies is the way the horse is used in the therapy. In hippotherapy, the horse is used as a tool to provide sensory input and improve motor skills, whereas in equine assisted activities and therapies, the horse is used as a partner in the therapy, providing emotional support and helping the client to develop trust and communication skills.
Another difference is the type of therapist who leads the sessions. In hippotherapy, the therapist is typically a physical, occupational, or speech therapist, whereas in equine assisted activities and therapies, the therapist is typically a mental health professional.
Overall, both hippotherapy and equine assisted activities and therapies are effective forms of therapy that use horses as part of the treatment. While they have some similarities, they also have key differences in the way the horse is used and the type of therapist who leads the sessions.