1 st Junior High School of Volos-Greece. Introduction Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes.

1st Junior High School of Volos-Greece

IntroductionIntroduction

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech-

language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes the

movement of the horse as a strategy by Physical

Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-

Language Pathologists to address impairments, functional

limitations, and disabilities in patients with

neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction (AHA, 2000).

Hippotherapy literally means treatment with the help of

a horse, from the Greek word “hippos” (Greek “ίππος”)

meaning horse.

HistoryHistory

The introduction of the horse in the therapy and education

of humans is not a contemporary invention. The concept

of hippotherapy finds its earliest recorded mention in the

ancient Greek writings of Hippocrates.

Since 17th century, some Germans considered riding as a

special intensive exercise of the body

Hippotherapy as a formalized discipline was not developed

until the 1960s, when it began to be used in Germany and

elsewhere as an adjunct to traditional physical therapy.

The role of the horseThe role of the horse

The horse's pelvis has a similar 3-dimensional movement

to the human's pelvis at the walk. This movement

provides physical and sensory input which is variable,

rhythmic and repetitive.

The 3-dimensional movement of the horse's pelvis leads

to a movement response in the patient's pelvis which is

similar to the movement patterns of human walking.

A foundation is established to improve neurological

function and sensory processing, which can be

generalized to a wide range of daily activities and address

functional outcomes and therapy goals.

Outcomes of hippotherapyOutcomes of hippotherapy

The therapeutic educational riding treats human as a whole being and is effective on:

Psychological level:

Developing self-discipline and patience

Developing self-control and self-respect and responsibility

Reducing introversion

Cultivating respect and love to animals

Developing self-esteem and self-confidence

Overcoming certain fears

Self-knowledge

Motivation

Outcomes of hippotherapy (II)Outcomes of hippotherapy (II)

Social level:

In communication (verbal and non-verbal)

Developing team and co-operation and socialization

Developing a relation between the therapist and the

trainee

Social interaction: e.g. a)triple interaction among the

trainee, the horse and the trainer, b)interaction among

the trainee and other riders, horses, the staff of the union

and visitors

Outcomes of hippotherapy (III)Outcomes of hippotherapy (III)

Physical level:

Reducing spastic and comforting muscle tone

Improving control of head, trank and pulvis

Promoting correct body posture

Improving balance

Promoting and improving walking

Increasing movements of joints

Refusing pathological movements and promoting natural

ones

Improving co-ordination

Developing aesthetic-kinetic and vision kinetic system

(sense completion) etc.

Who can benefit from Who can benefit from hippotherapyhippotherapyTherapeutic educational riding might be applied in people

with:

Orthopedic injuries

Cardio respiratory problems

Neurological damages

Psychological difficulties

Visual problems

Learning difficulties

Mental disease

Brain damage at young age (e.g. stroke paralysis)

Multiple sclerosis

Brain damages

…….

Who can benefit from Who can benefit from hippotherapy hippotherapy (II)(II)

Hippotherapy will not replace classical special education

physiotherapy, ergotherapy and psychotherapy but it will

complete them effectively. In order for the patient to

attend the sessions of hippotherapy, his/her doctor has to

approve it.

In hippotherapy, the following take part in the activity: the

horse, the rider, the trainer, the horse guide and their

assistants.

Through getting know the horse, its care, exercises and

games, rides and conversations with people who take part

in this activity, the rider develops kinetic, psychological

and social skills.

Hippotherapy in GreeceHippotherapy in Greece

In 1983 hippotherapy came to Greece thanks to the

initiative and work of Aideen Lewis.

The Therapeutic Riding Association of Greece

(TRAG) was established in 1992, as a non-profit,

volunteers' organization with a solid social goal;

one year later, TRAG was also recognized as a

sports organization.

The Greek Scientific Association of Therapeutic Riding and

Hippotherapy (GSATRH), established in 90’s, is a non-

profit organization whose focus and goal is the

rehabilitation of handicapped children and adults.

The “Politropo” projectThe “Politropo” project

“Politropo”, a local non-government organization,

implemented a pilot programme in 2007-2008 for the

access of handicapped people to therapeutic riding.

The programme was implemented in Volos and N. Ionia

(prefecture of Magnesia) and it was free for teenagers and

adults who took part in it.

It was financed by the European Union (75%) and the

Ministry of Occupation and Social Security (25%) and

lasted for 1 year.

The programme was supported by the Greek Union of

Therapeutic Riding, the Association of Parents and Friends

of Magnesia with the co-operation the municipalities of

Volos and N. Ionia in Magnesia.

ReferencesReferences

Wikipedia

Politropo (www.politropo.org/ridding_cure_ENGLISH.htm)

American Hippotherapy Association (AHA)

(www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/

Therapeutic Riding Association of Greece (TRAG)

(www.trag.gr/en/know/default.htm)

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1st Junior high school of Volos