Florida Hippotherapy Professionals

Dictionary Definition Of Hippotherapy:

"Hippotherapy is a highly specialized treatment that utilizes the multidimensional movement of the horse; the word is derived from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Specially trained physical, occupational and speech therapists use this medical treatment for clients who have movement dysfunction(s)."

Hippotherapy uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to the client. Treatment takes place in a controlled environment where graded sensory input can elicit appropriate adaptive responses from the client. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. The most predominant functions being core strength and balance.

Physically, Hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, mobility and function. Hippotherapy may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions for clients of all ages. Clients who may benefit from Hippotherapy can have a variety of diagnoses: examples include Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Developmental Delay, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Autism and it is also not limited to Learning or Language Disabilities.

Emotionally, Hippotherapy builds confidence through connection to spirit. Smiles on young children when they see a horse, shows that they also bring happiness. Just go to You Tube for a moment and you will see.

 

However, Hippotherapy is not for every client. Each potential client must be evaluated on an individual basis by specially trained health professionals and physical therapists. You can check with the American Hippotherapy Association Organization to learn more about Hippotherapy.

 

See books and DVD's that may interest you on this subject and Autism and Aspergers.

 

Please see MS Foundation Blog Below...

 

Hippotherapy ( the use of Horses for balance training)
For The Use of Hippotherapy for Multiple Sclerosis

Below is a List of Hippotherapy Professionals in the State of Florida

From AHA American Hippotherapy Association http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org 

 

Please let them know that Blue Feather Web Sent You.

 

Clairese Austin	Equine Assisted Therapy Programs	horsesisters@aol.com http://www.horsesisters.org	Mims, FL 321-267-2929
Lynn Bankston, MPT		mlbankston@tampabay.rr.com	Tampa, FL
Tricia Coates, OTR/L, HPCS**		turningpttherapy@bellsouth.net	Wellington, FL
Carol Huegel, PT, HPCS**		hippopt@aol.com	Gainesville, FL
Linda C. Mitchell, PT, HPCS**		Pedsandcarrots@aol.com	Gainesville, FL
Sandra Wainman, OTR/L		sensory@earthlink.net	Winter Springs, FL
Cathi Brown, MOTR/L**	Level II	cathibrown.ot@gmail.com	Fort White, FL
C. Jane Burrows, DPT, HPCS	Level II	janeburrows@comcast.net	North Miami Beach, FL
Linda Frease, MHS, OTR/L**	Level II	lafrease@verizon.net	Sarasota, FL
Jo Kologlu, PT	Level II	jobabypt@aol.com	Melbourne, FL
Heike Reeves, MS, PT	Level II	heike65@comcast.net	Lake Wales, FL
Rebecca Reubens, PT	Level II	reubensr@comcast.net	Lake Worth, FL
Patricia Sheperd, PT	Level II	aransaspass@aol.com	Bradenton, FL
Susan M Bonagura, PT	Level I	midtfjell@yahoo.com	Citra, FL
Gail Ratliff, PT	PT - with Level I AHA certification, process of  Level II AHA certification in 2011	gailreed@cfl.rr.com	Working in the Titusville, FL, area with Fox Lake Farms   321-267-7166
Heidi Spirazza, OTR/L**	Level I	heidi@paws4liberty.org	Lake Worth, FL