Providing access to
safe and caring
hippotherapy and equine
equine assisted therapy
Hippotherapy is a term that refers to the use of the movement of the horse as a tool by physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists to address impairments, functional limitations and disabilities in patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. This tool is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.
Equine assisted therapy (EAT) refers to the use of a horse and horse related activities (equine assisted activities) as a tool by physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. The key difference is that hippotherapy is the use of the movement of a horse and EAT is using the whole horse and the horse environment.
Hippotherapy/Equine assisted therapy is a multi dimensional therapy in that it allows therapists to address numerous skills at one time. While the child is riding the horse, the child receives constant sensory input from the horse including vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, auditory, olfactory and visual. The vestibular system, the system that controls balance and equilibrium, is stimulated because the child is on a dynamic surface.
The therapist also enhances this input by having the child change positions on the horse. These positions cause movement in the semicircular canals, the part of the body that affects balance. By stimulating this area, the child’s ability to process vestibular input can improve. Proprioception is the body’s ability to process heaviness, location and resistance of objects in relation to the body. It affects posture, movement and the ability to process changes in equilibrium.
The body receives proprioceptive input when the nerve endings in the muscles are stimulated, which happens when a part of the body is touched or moved, even by gravity. Typically functioning proprioceptive systems allow a person to close their eyes and still know where their arm ends, for example. When a child rides a horse the lower extremities receive proprioceptive input from touching the horse.
When you add in movement, which causes “bouncing” the entire body receives this input. The therapist can also enhance this input by having the child change positions on the horse, having more or less of the body touching the horse. Both of these systems along with the tactile system, work closely together and are all stimulated when a child is simply trying to maintain balance on the horse in order to not fall off.
The touch, sights, sounds and smells of the horse and the barn contribute to stimulating the other sensory systems. During therapy, most of these systems are stimulated on a subcortical level because the child is focusing on the activity, such as throwing the ball, and not consciously processing the sensory input. Because of this, carryover frequently occurs and integration is more common.
When hippotherapy is provided by an occupational therapist, the therapist addresses fine motor, gross motor, visual-perceptual, visual motor, sensory motor, play and self-help skills. While riding, the child participates in various games and activities. These can range from strengthening exercise such as pretending to be an airplane or a horse on a horse, to fine motor activities such as drawing with markers or stringing beads. Each child is individually evaluated and their needs assessed. The child’s goals reflect their particular needs. No two therapy sessions are the same even though they all occur on the horse.
Kristen Pruitt Master of Science
Kristen received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in physical therapy at North Georgia College. During her first 5 years of practice, she worked as a physical therapist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Scottish Rite. She also worked part-time in acute care at Dunwoody Medical Center caring for adults. As a independent contractor, Kristen has served the pediatric population through home health in Hall, Lumpkin, Dawson and Forsyth counties for the past 9 years. Her intensive continuing education background includes completion of courses in Neuro-Developmental Treatment, Sensory Integration theory, Equine Assisted Therapy, Aquatic therapy, and pediatric gait training. Pruitt is now excited to be working for Walker Therapy providing physical therapy through equine assisted therapy, land-based therapy and aquatic therapy. She currently lives with her husband and five children in Gainesville, Georgia.
Nolina Varley Master of Science
Nolina received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in occupational therapy at Brenau University. She also is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Education in rehabilitation counseling. Nolina worked, for three years, establishing behavior programs at Community Intervention and Research Center, Inc. in Tallahassee, FL. After moving to Atlanta, GA, she worked at Shepherd Center in the capacities of Life Skills Trainer, Behavioral Specialist, and lastly as an Occupational Therapist. Nolina has also been a private occupational therapy contractor working with the Lumpkin County School System and in home health. Ever since then Nolina has enthusiastically been providing occupational therapy through equine assisted therapy at Walker Therapy Services, LLC. Prior continuing education experiences for Nolina include certification at The Tangram Behavioral Center in Texas, completion of Sensory Integration theory and practice courses, completion of visual and visual motor courses, and completion of “Horse Talk”, the equine assisted therapy course. Currently, Nolina is living in Cumming, GA with her husband and three children.
Allison Hogue Doctor of Physical Therapy
Allison received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from North Georgia College & State University. Allison has continued her studies in hippotherapy, aquatic therapy and Neuro-Developmental Treatment. She lives at Dahlonega Georgia and enjoys spending time with her husband and family.
Meredith Stevens Doctor of Physical Therapy
Meredith Boyd Stevens received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Georgia State University. Meredith continued her education at University of North Georgia where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. During her graduate studies, Meredith conducted research on whole body vibration as a therapy for children with anoxic brain injuries, and their response in regards to functional mobility. After graduating from UNG, Meredith began working at Walker Therapy where she has continued her studies in hippotherapy and Neuro Developmental Treatment. Meredith lives in Cumming with her husband and three children. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and taking care of the family pets.
Lauren Pepe Doctor of Physical Therapy
Lauren received her doctorate of physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and her bachelors in exercise science and psychology from SUNY University at Buffalo. She is excited to be beginning her career in pediatrics at Walker Therapy at the Gainesville and Dahlonega locations. During her last clinical internship, she developed a passion for hippotherapy. She has advanced manual therapy training with certifications in Myofascial Manipulation and Cranio-facial, Cervical, and Upper Thoracic Spinal Manipulation.
Anna Weatherford Master of Science
Anna received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. Anna completed her pediatric Level II clinical fieldwork with Walker Therapy learning all about equine assisted therapy and aquatic therapy. Her research studies included looking at the Effectiveness of the Stepping-On Program in Reducing the Fear of Falling and the Incidents of Falls in Community Dwelling Older Adults. After graduating, Anna has received her certification in Physical Agent Modalities. Since beginning to work for Walker Therapy in 2014, Anna has continued her studies in pediatrics, hippotherapy and aquatic therapy. Anna is a native of Dawsonville, Georgia. She attends Browns Bridge Community Church. Anna lives in Gainesville with her husband and son. In her free time, Anna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and her Goldendoodle, Maple.
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7985 Knight Road
Suite B
Gainesville, GA 30506
(770) 781 – 4899
saddlebuddies@walkertherapy.com
