Hippotherapy Ride Along: Visualizing How Equine Movement Benefits Clients

This video highlights how equine movement affects the rider with a visual demonstration of movement throughout the anatomy of both rider and horse. This educational video was narrated by Physical Therapist and Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist, Janelle Robinson, and featuring American Hippotherapy Board Certified Physical Therapist Assistant, Trish Evans at The Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano, California. This video offers a detailed explanation of the three-dimensional movements of both the equine and human pelvis and spine. You will see how equine movement while walking mimics the human gait pattern providing the neuromotor input needed to promote better walking for riders astride the horse. This video examines different riding positions commonly used in hippotherapy to target various aspects of trunk muscle development, postural control, tone and spasticity management, and global strengthening. The physical therapist, horse handler, and rider work together to explain how the horse’s movement and rider positions can be changed to meet specific therapy goals. These lessons can be applied to a variety of therapeutic disciplines who use hippotherapy including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

[@SpiritRide]

This really is the best illustration of why we do what we do. To the casual observer, riding backwards just looks silly and fun. This clearly illustrates the desired functional outcomes. THANK YOU for creating this informational video. ~ SpiritRideNC.org

[@jenniferwright2825]

Thank you for this video. I start treating Hippotherapy as a PTA soon. This really helped me put it all in perspective.

[@dr.muhannadalnaser2082]

Great video bo doubt one of best in social media. Thank you

[@tinabinions6423]

Thank you for sharing this video, I am a therapeutic riding coach also, and find this video very educational and beneficial.

[@Sal-ec4yf]

This is brilliant! Thank you

[@everest2910]

This video showed up randomly on my main page and I'm so happy I saw it. It helped me a lot to understand how horse movement affects our muscles. Thank you for your great work! I believe that one day I also could be a hippo therapist :)

[@findingyourcenter8059]

Go Everest Go!!

[@worthwatching4924]

Great thought

[@trisha1331]

Wonderful demonstration and explanation!!

[@kristymichel792]

Beautiful I’ve done this Hippotherapy before but stopped because the therapist works for another stable farm but tomorrow I’m going to go to the same therapist but riding at a different stable. Because I stopped riding horses I’m on a walker but I’m doing stretches and now with Hippotherapy again I’m sure it’ will help me walk again with out my walker

[@PathintlOrg]

Awesome!

[@gaittherapeuticridingcente482]

Great video!!

[@skellingtonmeteoryballoon]

but the gallop doesnt mimic running lol