Our mission is to provide the most professional and effective therapy and assets for therapy possible toward the holistic, physiological, psychological and medical improvement of those afflicted with medical dysfunctions and cognitive disabilities.


Hippotherapy literally means treatment with the use of a horse, derived from the Greek word hippos meaning horse. Hippotherapy is a term that refers to the use of the movement of the horse as a tool.

The movement of the horse provides the client with a rich sensory input that is natural, rhythmical and multi-dimensional (American Hippotherapy Association)

I saw a child who could not walk, sit on a horse, laugh, and talk. Then ride it through a field of daisies and yet he could not walk unaided.

I saw a child, no legs below, sit on a horse and make it go through woods of green and places he had never been to sit and stare, except from a chair.

I saw of a child who could only crawl mount a horse and sit up tall. Put it through degrees of paces and laugh at the wonder on our faces.

I saw a child born into strife, take up and hold the reins of life, and that same child was heard to say "Thank God for showing me the way."

     -John Anthony Davies

 

What equine assisted activities offer...

Equine assisted activities offer the opportunity to be in control of one's own mobility

Equines can get a person somewhere outdoors that is inaccessible by wheelchair

Equines compensate for uneven footing and facilitate outdoor activity with dignity and ease

The equine can often become an equalizer offering people who move at very different speeds to get to their destination together.

The barn is a totally new environment that provides stimulating and exciting interaction

The relationship with a horse or donkey can serve as a bridge between psychotherapist and a client.

Equine activities allow people with a physical disability to be able to join with or successfully compete with those who have a different physical function.

Animals can model positive and negative personality traits for mental health clients

Unlike a mechanical car or wheelchair, the horse provides rhythmical, multidimensional movement that recreates natural movement. The horse's movement will also facilitate activation of postural control, balance, and motor and sensor systems

Because movement is so closely linked to other functions, the participant will likely experience other systemic changes such as those that involve levels of arousal, cognitive function, mood or behavior responses.

Trails of Hope Inc.
Therapeutic Riding Center
Hope, Indiana
812-343-6060
trailsofhopeinc@yahoo.com

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