Hippotherapy and Balance
Physical Therapy published research on the effects of hippotherapy on balance. Sixteen children with documented balance problems participated in 45 minute hippotherapy sessions, 2 times per week for 6 weeks. Following the intervention the participants exhibited a statistical difference on the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) on the Activities Scale for Kids—Performance (ASKp). The researchers concluded that hippotherapy may be a viable strategy for reducing balance deficits and improving the performance of daily life skills in children with mild to moderate balance problems.
Reference: Debbie J. Silkwood-Sherer et al. Hippotherapy—An Intervention to Habilitate Balance Deficits in Children With Movement Disorders: A Clinical Trial. PHYS THER May 2012 92:707–717; published ahead of print January 12, 2012, doi:10.2522/ptj.20110081