About Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy

​

In Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT), clients first go through an evaluation process based on their level of functioning and a treatment plan is established with the goal of achieving objectives that will help them function in their daily life. The horse is used to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems as well as social skills, all while increasing motivation and participation among clients.

​

Examples of objectives using this approach are to acquire / improve the walk pattern, maintain sitting position, increase postural control and tone, improve self-regulation, daily autonomy and improve functioning in the school setting.

​

In order to offer the best quality of service to our clients, all of the occupational therapists who offer this service at our centre have been certified with the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). The movement of the horse cannot be duplicated by any piece of equipment which is what makes it so special. This multi-dimensional movement provides a simulation of what a normal walking pattern should feel like; it is rhythmic, consistent, and predictable, just as human walking is. This repetitive movement allows the child ample opportunity to practice and refine balance responses which lead to improvements in core stabilization, postural control, motor skills, visual motor skills, bilateral co-ordination, attention and cognition. Hippotherapy can also be used to address sensory processing issues; it provides input to the vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual and auditory systems.

​

Do you think your child could benefit from Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy? Get in touch with one of our certified professionals for more information by clicking the button below.

​

​

​

Offered by an occupational therapist, certified in hippotherapy (AHA)

Minimum age: 2 years old, evaluation required prior to entry

Cost: 80$ /30min individual, 130$ /hr individual, 250$ for initial assessment with report (receipt for insurance provided)

​

​