Pediatric Hippotherapy for Dyslexia
in Pea Ridge, AR
If your child struggles with reading and writing, they can face challenges in school and later on in life when they start working. At Unbridled Pediatric Therapies, we combine traditional occupational therapy with equine assisted therapy (hippotherapy) to help kids achieve the key skills they need for fluent reading and writing.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects a person’s ability to read, spell, and write. It is a neurological condition that makes it challenging for individuals to process written and spoken language. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence or vision problems. It is a difference in how the brain processes language.
Common Symptoms of Dyslexia
Some of the most common symptoms of dyslexia in children include:
- Challenges with learning the alphabet
- Trouble with rhyming
- Difficulty sounding out words
- Confusing similar-looking letters (like “b” and “d”)
- Struggles with organizing thoughts or getting words on paper
- Slow speed of reading and/or writing
- Frustration or unwillingness to read or write
- Trouble following multi-step directions
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Combined with Hippotherapy Can Treat Dyslexia
Pediatric occupational therapy on its own is very effective at helping children with dyslexia build the language, cognitive, and visual skills they need for effective reading and writing. But when you combine it with hippotherapy, the benefits go above what can be achieved with clinic-based treatment.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider equine-assisted occupational therapy for your child:
1. It builds sensory processing skills
Hippotherapy provides a unique sensory experience by stimulating the vestibular (balance and movement), proprioceptive (body awareness), and tactile (touch) systems, which helps improve the brain’s ability to process sensory information. The rhythmic motion of the horse plus the movements required to stay balanced supports sensory integration and helps the brain organize incoming information more effectively.
2. It improves motor coordination and balance
Dyslexia can include difficulty with fine and gross motor coordination. The movement of the horse mimics the human gait, which can help improve trunk control, posture, and balance. These physical improvements contribute to better overall body awareness, which is essential for tasks that require motor coordination such as handwriting, turning pages, or tracking words from left to right.
3. It supports key areas of the brain
The horse’s rhythmic movement helps build neuromotor and neurosensory pathways that support the brain’s processing of language and reading. It’s believed that the motor stimulation and sensory experience of hippotherapy can help the brain improve how it processes language and reading-related tasks.
4. It’s fun!
Riding a horse provides a fun and engaging experience that motivates children to actively participate in therapy. The novelty of horseback riding helps children look forward to each session. This positive environment encourages them to stay engaged, which can lead to better outcomes in addressing their dyslexia-related challenges.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation Today
Want to find out how pediatric hippotherapy can support your child’s reading and writing skills? Take advantage of our free 15-minute phone consultation! During this consultation, you’ll speak with a member of the Unbridled Pediatric Therapy team who can answer your questions and explain how your child can benefit from equine-assisted occupational therapy.
Give us a call at (479) 250-9838 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation today!
