Hippotherapy

Legend Equestrian is now second home to ATLANTIC REHABILITATION INSTITUTE, offering Physical Therapy and Hippotherapy.

For thousands of years, humans have been dependent on horses for battle, transporting food and exploring new horizons. But horses are also very therapeutic for AUTISM, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, CEREBRAL PALSY, VETERAN’S POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD), Physical Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Orthopedic and Neurological Rehabilitation, Sports Injuries, Manual Therapy, Headaches and Stress Relief, Joint Replacement, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Neck and Back Pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and more…

HIPPOTHERAPY is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input. A foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing, which can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. We use horses and equine-assisted activities to achieve goals that enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational skills for people who have disabilities. It does not only focus on the therapeutic riding skills but also the development of a relationship between horse and rider. HIPPOTHERAPY uses a team approach in order to provide treatment for the individual with the guidance of riding instructor. It develops and reinforces behaviors such as Sensory Integration, Balance, Posture, Coordination, Increased Attention Span, Speech/Language, Focus, Muscle Tone, and Following Directions.

The program uses a variety of state of the art equipment, Equicizers, proprioception and balance equipment and real horses in a protocol specifically matched up with the students, based on their sizes, abilities, and personalities. Depending on the students ability, lessons may include Grooming, Bathing, Tacking up before lesson, untacking after lessons, leading the horse, and riding.