What is Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is a specialized form of therapy that uses the movement of a horse to address various physical, sensory, emotional, and cognitive challenges. As defined by the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), this therapy is delivered by licensed healthcare professionals—such as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists—who are trained in integrating the horse’s rhythmic, controlled movements into treatment. Hippotherapy is particularly effective for improving motor control, balance, coordination, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. This approach can be beneficial for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, sensory processing issues, neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorder, and. or emotional trauma.

The horse’s movement provides a unique multi-sensory experience that activates neuro-motor pathways, supporting clients in achieving functional goals and improving their quality of life.

An AHCB Certified Occupational Therapist (American Hippotherapy Certification Board) is a licensed occupational therapist who has completed specialized training in hippotherapy and successfully passed the national certification exam. This certification is designed to ensure that the therapist is equipped with both a strong foundation in occupational therapy, rigorous safety training utilizing equine movements, and the additional expertise needed to integrate equine movement into treatment plans effectively.

AHCB certification emphasizes best practices and evidence-based techniques, ensuring that the therapist’s interventions are grounded in clinical expertise and are tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. It also requires that therapists maintain ongoing education and comply with the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) standards, ensuring their practices remain aligned with the latest developments in the field.

What Makes AHCB Certified OTs Unique?

• National Certification: AHCB-certified OTs must pass a rigorous national exam, which demonstrates their specialized knowledge in both occupational therapy and hippotherapy.

• Best Practices: Certified OTs adhere to evidence-based guidelines and apply research-driven practices to ensure safe, effective, and ethical treatment.

• Individualized Approach: These therapists use the horse’s movement to address a wide range of challenges, from improving motor skills and sensory processing to enhancing executive functioning and emotional regulation.

• Ethical and Professional Compliance: AHCB-certified OTs maintain their certification through continuing education and national examination and are committed to staying informed about the latest therapeutic practices and innovations.

How This Differs from Other Approaches

While Eagala, PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, and certified health coaches may also use horses in their practices, the focus, methodology, and intended outcomes of their interventions differ significantly from those of an AHCB-certified occupational therapist.

• Eagala: Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) uses horses as a tool to facilitate emotional and psychosocial development, focusing on personal growth, relationship building, and psychological healing. Eagala’s approach is grounded in mental health and personal development, with an emphasis on unmounted activities where clients interact with the horses in a non-riding setting. While this is effective for emotional regulation and behavioral growth, it does not address the same functional and motor skill development that AHCB-certified OTs focus on. Eagala’s approach is more oriented around emotional and social interaction, whereas AHCB-certified OTs incorporate the horse’s movement in a clinical, evidence-based framework that targets motor skills, sensory processing, and functional outcomes.

• PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors: PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (TRIs) specialize in therapeutic riding to help individuals improve their balance, coordination, and posture through mounted activities. While this approach is excellent for enhancing physical strength and mobility, it differs from hippotherapy in that it focuses more on riding skills and recreational riding rather than using the horse’s movement as a therapeutic tool. AHCB-certified OTs apply the horse’s movement in a clinical, structured therapy plan that targets not only motor control and sensory integration but also executive functioning and the development of functional tasks to improve a person’s ability to engage in daily life activities.

• Certified Health Coaches: Health coaches may incorporate equine-assisted activities into their wellness programs, focusing on general health, behavioral change, and lifestyle guidance. While this approach can be beneficial for promoting overall well-being, health coaches are not trained to address specific neurological, sensory, or motor challenges. Unlike AHCB-certified OTs, health coaches do not follow the same clinical assessment and treatment planning protocols designed to provide a targeted, therapeutic approach for complex developmental, sensory, and motor issues.

What common diagnoses do you treat?
Our program is designed to support a wide range of challenges, including, but not limited to:

• CPTSD & Trauma Recovery

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Autistic Burnout

• Motion Sickness

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

• Sensory Processing Disorders

• Developmental Delays

• Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Challenges

• Parenting & Caregiver Support

• Teen Development & Social Skills

Whether supporting neurodivergent individuals or those navigating trauma, sensory sensitivities, or physical challenges, our approach is rooted in creating a safe, inclusive space for healing, growth, and empowerment. If you're unsure whether your specific needs fall within our scope, feel free to reach out for more information.

Some clients may not be suited for a mounted hippo Therapy services due to increase health and safety concern.

Conditions that may require medical clearance from your primary care provider or specialist -

    • Severe osteoporosis or other conditions causing pathologic fractures

    • Hemophilia or other uncontrolled bleeding disorders

    • Spinal fusion (less than 12 months post-op)

    • Internal fixation of the spine or hips (less than 6 months post-op)

    • Acute herniated nucleus pulposus

    • Joint subluxation/dislocation

    • Unstable cervical spine or atlanto-axial instability

    • Active infection of skin, bones or joints (e.g. osteomyelitis)

    • Uncontrolled seizure disorder

    • Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions (e.g. severe hypertension, recent cardiac event)

    • Severe behavioral issues (self-injurious or aggressive behaviors that endanger horse or handlers)

    • Allergy or hypersensitivity to horses or tack materials

Please note each horse has a unique set of needs and maximum weight limits. The health and safety of the Horse and the client will always remain at the forefront of our decisions.

When we have questions about the efficacy, utility and safety of utilizing Hippo Therapy as a treatment tool we engage with clients healthcare team to make the most effective decision for their needs. Should you have any questions please contact courtney@otworks.org