Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy utilizes the movement of the horse as part of an integrated intervention program. In conjunction with the affordances of the equine environment and other treatment strategies, Occupational Therapy is part of a patient's integrated plan of care.
Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy is a medical treatment utilizing the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a treatment strategy to address functional goals. The American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) defines Hippotherapy as the method that occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to achieve functional outcomes. The dynamic movement of the horse combined with the dynamic environment can lead to positive functional change.
Sessions are conducted by a licensed Occupational Therapist credentialed as a PATH Intl. Registered Therapist. The program serves individuals 2 years of age or older.
Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy is offered in 30-minute sessions weekly. Client fees are $75 per session and are offered in session blocks ranging from 6 to 15 weeks throughout the year. Clients are requred to complete a Client Application Package with a physician's prescription to participate in Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy.
For more information, contact Sara Zurenko, Program Director: Sara.Zurenko@southernreins.org.
“Southern Reins was introduced to us through a physical therapist. Darius was three when he began Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy at Southern Reins. Prior to starting his sessions, Darius had a weak core and limited hip range of motion. He could barely sit upright on the horse. By the end of his first session, Darius developed more range of motion in his hips, a stronger core, and stronger muscles.These improvements spilled over to other parts of his life. For the first time, Darius was able to sit at his desk at school with limited assistance and he also had more strength to push himself in his wheelchair. His therapists and doctors were very impressed with the overall improvement.” Tia Willett, Darius’ mom
Client Registration Information
All prospective clients must complete and submit a Participant and Client Application Package that includes a client profile, hold harmless agreement, and more, in addition to a completed Occupational Therapy Prescription Request Form. Prospective clients must schedule a new participant evaluation prior to the start of their first session. All paperwork must be signed and submitted prior to the evaluation.
Session fees are due two weeks prior to the start of each session. Southern Reins requires all clients have a credit card on file that will be charged two weeks pror to the start of the session. Check and cash payments may be accepted if approved in advance by the Program Director. Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy is not billable by Southern Reins to your health insurance company, but you may be able to submit for reimbursement through your health care provider.
Clients and/or parents, guardians, or caregivers will receive Southern Reins' Participant and Client Handbook that outlines our policies and procedures prior to the start of the session.
Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy is a Premier Accredited Center by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). PATH Intl. premier accreditation assists the public in selecting quality centers that deliver safe equestrian services and certifies that a member organization has achieved industry standards for equine-assisted services for individuals with special needs. Southern Reins is the only Premier Accredited Center in the greater Memphis area and is one of only three in the state of Tennessee, joining the top tier of centers across the country who have received premier accredited status.
