Pediatric Hippotherapy for Developmental Delays
in Pea Ridge, AR
Does your child have trouble keeping up with their peers? If they seem to be struggling with movement, speech, language, or social skills, it could be a sign of a developmental delay. At Unbridled Pediatric Therapies, we combine traditional occupational therapy with therapeutic horse-riding (hippotherapy) to help kids achieve their developmental milestones for success in all areas of life
What Are Developmental Delays?
A developmental delay is when a child has not achieved one or more developmental milestones by the age when they should have. This could include movement, speech, language, thinking, or social skills milestones that most children their age have already reached.
Developmental delays can be caused by genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, premature birth, or traumatic brain injuries. But they can also happen with no known underlying cause. The good news is that pediatric therapy is an effective treatment that can help children achieve their developmental milestones.
How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Combined with Hippotherapy Can Treat Developmental Delays
Pediatric occupational therapy on its own is very effective at helping children achieve their developmental skills. But when you combine it with hippotherapy, the benefits are much greater than what can be achieved with clinic-based treatment by itself.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider equine-assisted occupational therapy for your child:
1. It builds cognitive skills
The need for concentration and attention while riding the horse can improve a child’s ability to focus on tasks, which is often a challenge for children with developmental delays. The movement of the horse helps engage the child’s attention and build cognitive skills in a new and fun way.
2. It supports social and emotional development
Interacting with the horse builds a sense of connection, responsibility, and empathy. This helps children with autism practice social-emotional skills in a safe environment. And doing activities such as guiding or caring for the horse with their occupational therapist provide opportunities for social interaction and communication.
3. It supports motor skills development
The horse’s rhythmic, three-dimensional gait mimics the movement of the human pelvis during walking, which helps children strengthen their core muscles, improve their balance, and develop better coordination. And activities like grooming the horse help build fine motor skills that can help children handle daily tasks more easily.
4. It’s fun!
Hippotherapy combines movement, sensory input, communication, and emotional engagement in a way that traditional therapy settings cannot replicate. This incredible treatment helps address multiple areas at once and promotes progress in an encouraging and fun environment.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation Today
Want to find out how pediatric hippotherapy can support your child’s development? 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!
