>In Australia - the treatment modality known as 'hippotherapy' (Greek
>- hippos) has been slowly developing under the umbrella of the
>Riding for Disabled Association Australia (RDAA). Evidence for the
>efficacy of hippotherapy as a treatment has been described in German
>literature, and more recently from some pilot studies in North
>America. Not surprisingly, the insurance companies have real issues
>when one ingredient in the equation is a horse.
In Australia safety, safety and safety are the prime concerns.
Hippotherapy must only be practised in an accredited RDAA facility
and by a registered hippotherapist. Three levels of specific training
are required for the physiotherapist and one level for the
horse-handler. There must be a qualified RDAA coach present at all
times and there must be two side-walkers. The horse must be
accredited as a hippotheray horse for temperament, soundness and
symmetry. Comprehensive competency standards have been recently
agreed upon by the RDAA - Hippotherapy Standards Board but have not
yet been published.
What is it? In the way hydrotherapy utilises the characteristics of
water to assist movement and rehabilitation, the particular
rhythmical gait of the horse moving forward through space at the walk
is utilised to achieve therapeutic goals for the person being
treated. These goals may be related to motor control, range of
movement, muscle strength and balance. Thus it is indicated for
rehabilitation of neuromuscular disorders, although it is sugested it
may be beneficial for the cardio-respiratory system as well. It also
assists motivation to have the task specific nature of the program,
particularly for children.
Thus hippotherapy is not riding as this implies learning to control
the horse (a different form of therapy but not hippotherapy).
Treatment of the horse is also practiced by physiotherapists - but is
also not hippotherapy.
Pedantic maybe - but it is a poorly understood topic. Hope this helps.
Liz Williams (Chairman RDAA - Hippotherapy)
Have they changed it? When I was in school, about 12 years ago, hippotherapy
>was Physical Therapy USING horses i.e. riding them to affect the changes
>mentioned.
>
>Vickie
>
>> From: Renee Cordrey <[log in to unmask]>
>> Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
>> Date: Wed, 02 Feb 2000 07:37:13 -0800
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: hippotherapy ??
>>
>> Hippotherapy is therapy on horses. As you can imagine, it can address
>> balance, vestibular issues, strength, motor control, etc. I don't know much
>> about it, though.
>>
>> Renee
>>
>> sunila patil wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi ,
>>> I came across the abstract of an article called "preliminary
>>>experience with
>>> hippotherapy in equilibrium disorders of central origin"
>>> by Conti b , Cosignani F, Ferrari T, Roscio A.
>>>
>>> Does anybody know more about it or hippotherapy?
>>> thanks,
>>> Sunila
>>>
>>> ____________________________________________________________________
>>> Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at
>>> http://webmail.netscape.com.
>>
>> --
>> Renee Cordrey, MSPT, CWS
>> ---
>> "The best way out of a difficulty is through it."
>> Anonymous
>>
Elizabeth Williams
Lecturer in Paediatrics
School of Physiotherapy
The University of Melbourne
Telephone + 61 3 9344 7924
Fax + 61 3 9344 4188
email [log in to unmask]
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