Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. In the controlled environment, the therapists modifies the horse’s movement and carefully grades sensory input. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in recreational riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.

Patients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable experience in a natural setting.

Hippotherapy is utilized as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. Hippotherapy is offered on an individual basis, with specially trained physical and occupational therapists that use this treatment, one-on-one, for individuals with movement dysfunction. Riders with qualifying needs for hippotherapy can be as young as two years old. The weight limit for riders in hippotherapy is 175 pounds.

Hippotherapy sessions are provided by occupational and physical therapists who have completed AHA (American Hippotherapy Association) certification. Two of the therapists are also certified NARHA instructors.

 

Recreational Riding

Group riding lessons are taught by instructors certified by NARHA. Each rider has a volunteer horse leader and up to two volunteer side walkers. Riders with varying types and degrees of disabilities can be as young as four years old and continue through adulthood. The weight limit for riders in recreational riding is 175 pounds.

Our recreational riding classes are an hour in length. In that time period the rider participates in grooming the horse, tacking the horse, mounting, exercises on horseback, an activity related to a skill which is used in a game on horseback, dismounting, untacking, cleaning, and putting the saddle and bridle away. We take full advantage of the work around the horse as a multi sensory experience. You should expect the mounted riding time to be 30 – 40 minutes.

 

Ground Lessons

Ground lessons are offered for those participants who are unable to ride because of weight limit or other contraindications. These lessons are 30 minutes long and include grooming, leading, and other unmounted activities.

Instructor Training

Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship offers the CTRH Instructor in Training Program to a very limited number of candidates whom we believe meet all the requirements necessary for conducting safe, effective lessons the opportunity to shadow one of our NARHA Certified Instructors/Mentors.. The end result of this experience is to prepare candidates for the final step necessary in order for them to take the NARHA Registered Instructor Certification exam. If you think you’re ready to become a NARHA Certified Instructor, please click here for the requirements for consideration. For more information, contact CTRH at 513-831-7050.