Heel and Toe are extremely proud to offer hippotherapy, also known as equine facilitated physiotherapy as part of our therapy offer.  This unique therapy utilises the movement of a horse or pony to stimulate and challenge the riders balance, tone, muscles, sensory and vestibular systems to promote motor learning.  We offer hippotherapy in partnership with Washington Riding centre, where the sessions are held.

In 2022 we conducted a pilot study, where 18 children received hippotherapy, and their outcomes were recorded in a variety of ways. We found that hippotherapy overwhelmingly promotes motor learning all the children who took part, irrespective of how much their condition affected them.  Results were particularly positive in younger children with complex disabilities, as well as those working on balance with emerging walking skills.

Currently hippotherapy is being offered to children who access another service within Heel and Toe.

Children with a wide range of challenges and diagnoses can benefit from hippotherapy, including Cerebral Palsy, developmental delay, genetic conditions, downs syndrome, coordination disorders, neuromuscular conditions amongst others.

Our specialist physiotherapist will assess your child in our clinic to ensure they will benefit from hippotherapy and that this is safe for your child.

Hippotherapy has been shown to have benefits across a range of areas including:

• Head control
• Postural control
• Normalising Tone
• Strength
• Balance
• Coordination
• Endurance
• Control
• Symmetry
• Communication
• Participation

Most children thoroughly enjoy hippotherapy and therefore it can really help with compliance with therapy.

Costs – We are delighted that this therapy is fully subsidised through our fundraising efforts.

If you feel hippotherapy would benefit your child please contact us.