Equine Movement as a Treatment Tool in Speech-Language Therapy Sessions

The Creative Strategies Therapy approach uses a variety of movement-based tools and strategies to support a child’s learning. One of these tools is equine movement.

Who Benefits from Equine Movement (Hippotherapy)?  

Hippotherapy refers to how a therapist uses medical-quality equine movement as part of the therapy treatment plan. The movement of the horse affects the child's system organization to create readiness for learning (allocation of attention and receptiveness to learning). The therapist uses the horse's movement to promote variations in the child's movement and increased sensory and postural organization. These system changes positively influence learning and communication abilities. Cathy’s speech-language therapy sessions also use equine movement to incorporate kinesthetic cues for speech and language, working towards generalization outside of therapy sessions.

medical-quality Equine movement is especially beneficial to suport the following areas: 

• Breath Support and Postural Control for Speech Production and Longer Sentences

• Speech Rate, Cadence/Rhythm, and Clarity

• Attention and Task Completion (for Language and Cognitive Processing)

The horse's movement positively affects other areas which impact speech and language:

• Body Awareness (Proprioception) and Balance

• Core Strength, Integration, and Coordination

• Range of Motion

• Sensory Integration and Self-Regulation Skills

Creative Strategies partners with local barns:

Rocky Mountain Riding in Boulder;

Wild Song Ranch in Longmont