Pediatric Hippotherapy for Sensory Processing Disorder
in Pea Ridge, AR
Does your child struggle to stay organized or focused in loud or busy environments? Or do they always seem to be in motion and have decreased awareness when playing with others? These could be signs of sensory processing disorder.
At Unbridled Pediatric Therapies, we combine traditional occupational therapy with therapeutic horse-riding (hippotherapy) to help kids gain better self-regulation skills so they can comfortably participate in daily activities.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing and responding to information it receives from the senses. Children with SPD can be overly sensitive to their environment, or they may not respond enough to sensory input.
This can affect how they engage with the world around them and make everyday activities like playing, eating, or getting dressed more challenging.
Common Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
Some common symptoms of SPD in children include:
- Becoming upset or distressed by loud noises, bright lights, or being touched
- Not noticing or not reacting when they get hurt
- Having trouble with balance and coordination
- Constantly moving or seeking strong sensory experiences
- Having meltdowns or throwing tantrums due to the environment or changes in routine
- Having difficulty focusing on a task
How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Combined with Hippotherapy Can Treat Sensory Processing Disorder
Pediatric occupational therapy is a fantastic treatment that helps children with SPD build key developmental skills. But when you combine it with hippotherapy, the benefits go above and beyond what can be achieved with clinic-based treatment alone.
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 vestibular (balance and motion), proprioceptive (body awareness), tactile (touch), and visual inputs through the horse’s movement. For children who are over- or under-sensitive to sensory stimuli, the rhythmic and predictable motion of the horse can calm overactive responses or stimulate underactive systems, all of which leads to improved sensory regulation.
2. It supports cognitive and emotional development
Riding the horse requires concentration and helps children practice following instructions, which helps build cognitive skills. The horse’s movement can also stimulate emotional regulation by providing a calming effect for children.
3. It supports key areas of the brain
The horse’s walking gait mimics the natural movement of the human pelvis during walking, and in a standard 20-minute session, a horse takes about 3,000 steps. This provides a high level of repetitive movement that helps create new neural pathways in the brain that improve motor planning, sensory processing, and behavioral responses.
4. It’s fun!
Riding a horse is an exciting, enjoyable activity that immediately captures a child’s attention and makes them feel motivated to participate. The new and positive environment is a great way to promote progress while making therapy something to look forward to.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation Today
Want to find out how pediatric hippotherapy can support your child’s sensory processing 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!
