Why is Hippotherapy beneficial?

The three dimensional gait of the horse, which closely simulates the movement of the human pelvis while walking, is unique and valuable as a treatment tool. It provides a everchanging/challenging, dynamic surface to facilitate movement. It challenges the body in all planes of movement requiring an adaptive response from the over all system. The movement provides a systems wide impact that reaches physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial areas of performance. The unique sensory rich environment allows for increased sensory input for individuals whose delayed systems may not be receiving enough input for daily function. The warmth and gentle rhythm of the horse united with the natural human/animal bond that draws us to animals is another unique and valuable characteristic of the horse as a treatment tool.