Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a form of physical therapy in which a therapist uses the movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input. It is not “horse riding” in which an individual uses cues to influence and ride a horse, but instead the movement of the horse/pony is used to provide facilitation and influence the client to achieve therapeutic goals.

• Improve balance and postural control
• Improve coordination
• Increased core strength
• Increased confidence
• Improved upper limb function
• Normalize muscle tone
• Improve gross motor skills

Hippotherapy is suitable for children and adults* with the goals relating to:

• ambulation
• balance
• righting reactions
• upper limb function
• falls
• postural stability
• core strength

Diagnosis including but not limited to:

• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke
• SCI
• Spina bifida
• Global developmental delay
  • Willing to obtain a medical clearance from a GP (form will be provided)

*weights limits apply

Unfortunately due to the nature of hippotherapy, there are some circumstances where it is not an appropriate:

• The participant weighs more than approx. 60kgs
• The participant is under 3 years

The participant has one or more of the following diagnoses:

• • Chari II malformation
  • Coxa Arthrosis
  • Decreased bone density, osteoporosis etc
  • Tethered cord
  • Spinal trauma or abnormalities leading to instability
    • Down syndrome without clearance of Atlanto-axial instability (this can be obtained from an XRAY via GP)
  • Indwelling catheters
  • Epilepsy (may be able to participate if nil seizure activity in the last 12months or if seizures are not uncontrolled tonic colonic seizures)
  • Hemophilia
  • Any condition that causes a higher risk of fractures such as: Osteo Genesis Imperfecta (OGI), Brittle Bones, Severe Osteoporosis, Any other pathological fractures

While hippotherapy may not be for you under these considerations, Rocky Bay has the services, staff and equipment to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to find the right services for you.

When: Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings during the school term

Where: Riding for the Disabled Bullsbrook (Brook Valley Farm) – 1225 Railway Parade Bullsbrook

You don’t have to! A specially designed ramp is used to make mounting and dismounting as easy and safe as possible. The participant will access the ramp and the horse will stand alongside the ramp. Horses are selected based on the height and weight of the rider

Closed in shoes, comfortable, loose-fitting pants and shirt.

You can access services if you have an NDIS plan, Disability Services Commission funding, Medicare or if you want to fund your own services. We can also support you through the planning process if you do not have a plan already. NDIS funding is used through Improved Daily Living Skills (15 codes).

Yes. The participant is fully supported with a team of trained therapists and volunteers who walk alongside the horse to ensure there are no accidents.

The team is made up of:

• A horse handler: leads the horse
• Two side walkers: Keep their hands/arm supporting the rider the entire session on each side of the client
• Coach: ensures safety of all involved
• Therapist: directs session therapeutic activities

Horses are temperament tested to participate in therapeutic programs and are matched in size to the participant.