Despite the way it sounds, "hippotherapy" doesn't have anything to do with hippopotamuses. "Hippo" comes from the Greek word meaning "horse," and hippotherapy refers to behavioral therapy techniques that use horses.

The American Hippotherapy Association defines hippotherapy as "a physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement as part of an integrated intervention program to achieve functional outcomes." This is different than therapeutic riding, the AHA notes, as therapeutic riding only focuses upon teaching the child to ride a horse.

The principle of hippotherapy is that the horse's presence helps the child focus attention and learn more effectively. Children who have engaged in hippotherapy have experienced increased social functioning, improved speech and language skills, better balance and improved motor function.

Labels: equine-therapy, hippotherapy

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Danielle Herb is 15 years old. She's also a business owner and CEO. Her company, Drop Your Reins, teaches self-calming techniques to children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as young people with certain types of autism.

Drop Your Reins is a revolutionary company geared toward helping parents to transition their ADD/ADHD and autistic kids off prescription medication. Danielle Herb, a 15-year-old entrepreneur, developed the program with the help of her mom, Marianne St. Clair. (Source: Huliq News)

Danielle and Marianne co-teach the program, working not only with the kids, but with their parents. The mother/daughter teaching team also helps students understand the importance of diet and nutrition and the role allergies can play in ADHD and autism.

Drop Your Reins is one of many programs that employs equine-assisted education to help young people with a wide range of physical, emotional, and developmental conditions.

Labels: autism, equine-therapy, Attention_Deficit_Hyperactivity_Disorder

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Horses as therapists for your differently-abled child? That's true. Equine facilitated learning (EFL) is now being looked upon as a fun-filled therapeutic option for physically, mentally and emotionally challenged people, especially children. Read more online.

Labels: equine-therapy, therapy, animal-assisted-therapy

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