• Equine Therapy
• Hippotherapy

• Meets ADA standards

• Staff Training: NARHA Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors

• Age range of participants: 4 to and up

• Adaptive equipment available
  Lessons are taught by NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructors, and assisted by a team of trained volunteers who may lead the horse and sidewalk beside the rider if needed. The volunteers provide vital one-on-one contact with the riders at all times. All of our instructors and volunteers adhere to NARHA guidelines on therapeutic riding while maintaining a safe environment.

• Accessible by Public Transportation: No
  
  
• Transportation Provided by the Program: No

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, or speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes the multidimensional movement of a horse. It is facilitated by our staff physical and occupational therapists. This strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program, with the ultimate goal of achieving functional outcomes. It does not teach riding skills. Clients must be 2 years of age.

Why use a horse? The gait of the horse is similar to the human gait and thus can facilitate corresponding movement patterns in the human pelvis. The horse�s walk provides additional sensory input that is variable, rhythmical, and repetitive. This dynamic movement, coupled with the traditional physical or occupational therapy techniques, can provide heightened functional outcomes.

Some of the more significant benefits of hippotherapy are: increased trunk and postural control, increased mobility and strength, normalized tone/spasticity, improved balance and coordination, improved cognitive skills and improved sensorimotor function. Children respond especially well to hippotherapy as their relationship with the horse provides them with the additional motivation needed to achieve their goals. It�s a powerful combination.

Hippotherapy is a medically-recognized treatment with an insurance billing code. Forward Stride does not bill insurance directly nor receives reimbursement directly from insurance companies. However, the staff can assist clients with providing documentation in order to seek their own reimbursement.