Therapy ServicesIncorporating Equine Movement What We Offer
A Personalized Approach to Healing
At High Horses Center for Equine Assisted Services, we blend traditional therapy practices with the healing power of nature and horses. Our licensed occupational and physical therapists tailor each session to meet individual needs and goals, with the option to integrate equine movement when clinically appropriate.
Therapy That Begins with Arrival
The Environment is Part of the Treatment
From the moment you arrive—walking up the path, hearing the animals, taking in the natural surroundings—every part of the environment offers therapeutic opportunities. Whether in our clinic, barn, arena, or out on the trails, each space is intentionally chosen by the therapist to best support your goals of each session.
Evidence-Based, Clinically Grounded
We are not a recreational riding program. Our therapy is rooted in evidence-based occupational and physical therapy practices. Equine movement is a powerful tool—when used by skilled, licensed therapists—to help meet specific, functional goals.
What is Therapy?
-
At High Horses, “therapy” refers to licensed, medically-based occupational and physical therapy services designed around each client’s individual goals. Our therapists may incorporate equine movement when clinically appropriate to enhance therapeutic outcomes—but the therapy itself is always grounded in evidence-based practice. It’s not about riding horses recreationally; it’s about how skilled therapists use movement, environment, and meaningful activities to improve function.
-
Hippotherapy is the clinical use of equine movement as part of an integrated therapy plan. It’s a powerful strategy used by trained occupational and physical therapists to influence posture, balance, mobility, and sensory processing. The horse’s rhythmic, three-dimensional gait closely mimics the movement of human walking, helping to engage the brain and body in ways that traditional clinical tools cannot.
This technique is not a standalone service or recreational activity—it is a carefully designed, medically necessary treatment approach.
-
Our therapists are licensed professionals with advanced training in the use of equine movement through the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). This ensures that all equine-integrated therapy sessions are delivered safely, ethically, and effectively.
-
In sessions that incorporate equine movement, the therapist works in close partnership with the horse. They carefully select the horse’s gait, speed, direction, and movement patterns to target specific therapeutic outcomes. These adjustments provide customized sensory and motor input—promoting changes in core strength, coordination, sensory integration, and more.
Through this collaboration, therapy becomes a dynamic, interactive process that supports the brain and body working together for functional improvement.
Benefits of Therapy Incorporating Equine Movement
Equine movement is more than a ride - it’s a powerful therapy tool that engages the body and brain to support meaningful, lasting progress.
Therapy may take place in our clinic, in the arena, or outdoors - each setting offers unique opportunities for growth, healing, and skill-building.
Treatment Focus Areas
Sensory Integration - Supports the brain’s ability to process and respond to sensory input effectively.
Motor Skills & Coordination - Builds both fine and gross motor skills through purposeful, full-body movement.
Posture & Core Strength - Engages deep postural muscles for improved stability and trunk control.
Gait & Mobility - Improves walking patterns and balance through equine movement that mimics human locomotion.
Attention & Emotional Regulation - Encourages calm, focus, and confidence through structured, meaningful interaction with the horse.
Flexibility & Range of Motion - Enhances joint mobility through the horse’s rhythmic, multi-directional movement.
Bilateral Coordination - Promotes midline crossing and coordination between both sides of the body during mounted and unmounted activities.
In addition to equine movement, therapy sessions may include hands-on, nature-based activities like grooming animals, gardening, or sensory exploration. Whether it’s holding a brush, throwing a ball, or caring for the environment, each task is thoughtfully integrated by your therapist to support meaningful progress toward individual goals.
A Holistic Approach
At High Horses, therapy extends beyond one setting or strategy. Our licensed therapists integrate clinical knowledge with meaningful, real-world experiences—both on and off the horse—to support healing, learning, and growth.
Every session is tailored to the individual. Whether working indoors, outdoors, or with animals, our team is committed to helping each client reach their highest potential.