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What is the difference between Equine Assisted Therapy and Hippotherapy?
We hear these terms interchangeably, but what do they really mean? Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is handled by a licensed professional under their scope of practice. Using the facility or activities associated with horse care are conducted under EAT. However, it does not include therapeutic riding. It can be done on the ground or astride the horse. Hippotherapy is a treatment program overseen by an OT, PT, SLP, or licensed professional focused on utilizing the horse's movement to reinforce the therapy and meet goals.
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History: The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) recognized the physically therapeutic impact of riding for those with physical disabilities as early as 1969. During the 1970's, physical therapists began incorporating the horse's movement into therapies. By 1992, the American Hippotherapy Association was created.
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What are the benefits?
The benefits of EAT include improving focus, building strength, coordination and confidence. The benefits of hippotherapy are engaging sensory and cognitive systems to improve functional movement. Both therapies improve emotional well being and speech.
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What goals can I expect?
The primary focus of classic hyppotherapy is the patient's posture and movement. Increase core strength and control, balance, strength and endurance, coordination and motor planning.The horse's movement also helps with the development of fine motor skills, visual motor skills, bilateral co-ordination, attention and cognition. EAT also improves strength, helps with anxiety and behavioral difficulties. It also improves attention span, concentration and task completion.
Providers:
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​Equi-librium
Services: Equi-librium is a Premier Accredited Center of the Professional
Where: 524 Fehr Road, Nazareth, Pennsylvania 18064
Call: 610-365-2266
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​Horses & Horizons
​Services: Therapeutic riding, riding lessons.
Where: 375 Zion's Stone Church Rd, New Ringgold, PA 17960
When: Beginning of May to end of October
Call: Elaine Smith 570-386-5679
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Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Where: 1811 Mill Rd, Perkasie, PA 18944
Call: (215) 822-2515
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Manito Equistrian Center
Services: Manito Life Center assists in eliminating social and
emotional obstacles.
Where: 2160 N. Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown, PA, 18104
Call: 610-433-3707
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Promised Land Equestrian Center
Services: Christian outreach and equine-assisted activities for children and adults with special needs.
Where: 2678 E Beersville Rd, Bath, PA
Call: Debra Hutchinson at 610-837-3642
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Wide Stride Equestrian Center
Where:194 Palmer Rd Bangor, PA 18013
Call: (610)-360-5609
