Equine Assisted Physiotherapy (EAP) is the practice of using horses within a therapy session; this intervention may consist of ridden work and/ or groundwork with horses. The term Hippotherapy describes the specialised treatment approach that involves the patient being positioned on the horse.

A horse’s walk has a three-dimensional movement, which is particularly useful to improve human balance, stability, proprioception, sensory processing, and coordination. Typically, the horse will be covered by a sheepskin rug and then the patient will be placed straight on top of this. The physiotherapist will alter the patient’s position on the horse; this could be anything from sitting astride to side-sitting, laying on the horse or even four-point kneeling.

Groundwork utilises the benefits of the horse-human interaction without the involvement of riding. It is a unique learning experience that may involve exercises in an arena or around the stables. The participants build a relationship with the horse, which can be beneficial to improve confidence and self-esteem.

Kids’ Therapy Works partners with charity REACH, based in Kelvedon Hatch, near Brentwood. At this centre, trained professionals can offer a range of services including: Hippotherapy, Equine Assisted Learning, Therapeutic Riding and Carriage Driving.

Who can benefit from this therapy?

EFP can support health and wellbeing at all stages of life. The team at REACH can help children with neurological, musculoskeletal, congenital, respiratory, biomechanical, mental health, trauma and pain disorders.

For children with Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, Hippotherapy has been shown to be beneficial. Research evidence supports the use of Hippotherapy to improve functional ability, which can be maintained over a follow up period.

About REACH

REACH provides high quality assessment and rehabilitation programmes, using trained horses, to give a treatment strategy for adults and children suffering with physical, mental, social and/or learning disabilities. Their clinically led approach in their specialist centre offers a unique combination of Physiotherapy, Hippotherapy, Equine Assisted Learning and Pat Therapy (animal petting).

REACH caters for all ages from 2 years old, and for a range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, down syndrome, developmental delay, spinal cord injury, brain Injuries, autism, learning disabilities and mental health disorders.

REACH offers:

• Equine Assisted Physiotherapy

• Equine Assisted Therapy

• Equine Assisted Learning

• Therapeutic Riding

• Carriage Driving

• Alternate Education

• Sensory Garden

• Tea with Pony and Care Home visits