HIPPOTHERAPY
Evidence-Based Therapy with the Power of Movement
Helping children grow stronger through horse-assisted therapy
At Leaps & Bounds Pediatric Therapy, we offer hippotherapy as part of our comprehensive therapy services. Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy that uses the movement of the horse to engage and improve sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems. It is provided by licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists as part of a patient’s individualized plan of care.
[Is Hippotherapy Right for Your Child?] (CTA button linking to intake or contact form) Link:
What Is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a clinical treatment—not horseback riding. During a session, the horse’s movement is carefully directed by a trained horse handler under the supervision of a licensed therapist. The patient does not control the horse; instead, the horse’s rhythmic, multidimensional gait provides dynamic input to the patient’s body systems, closely mimicking the movement of the human pelvis during walking.
This movement stimulates the vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, and visual systems, helping regulate sensory processing and support motor learning. A horse typically takes about 100 steps per minute, offering thousands of opportunities for the patient to practice movement patterns in a single session.
Who Can Benefit?
Hippotherapy may be appropriate for children and adults with:
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Abnormal muscle tone
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Impaired balance or coordination
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Postural asymmetry or poor postural control
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Sensory processing challenges
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Communication delays
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Neuromotor dysfunction
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Developmental delays
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Limbic system dysfunction affecting attention and arousal
Our Approach
At Leaps & Bounds, hippotherapy is provided by licensed therapists who have completed specialized training through the American Hippotherapy Association. Our team works collaboratively with horse professionals to ensure safe, effective, and individualized treatment sessions.
Hippotherapy may be integrated into:
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Physical Therapy
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Occupational Therapy
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Speech Therapy
Each session is tailored to the patient’s goals and takes place in a natural, engaging outdoor setting that makes therapy both effective and enjoyable.
Making Hippotherapy Accessible to All Families
Hippotherapy is a highly specialized and research-supported treatment strategy that requires a unique combination of licensed therapists, trained horse handlers, and carefully selected therapy horses. The cost to provide just one hour of hippotherapy can exceed $300, making it financially out of reach for many families—especially those with limited insurance coverage or no coverage at all.
At Leaps & Bounds Pediatric Therapy, we believe every child deserves access to life-changing therapy, regardless of financial barriers. That’s why we founded Friends of Leaps & Bounds, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in need.
Through generous donations, grants, and community partnerships, Friends of Leaps helps cover over two-thirds of the cost of therapy services for children with special needs. This support allows us to offer hippotherapy and other services at low or no cost to qualifying families across the Inland Empire.
If you’d like to help make hippotherapy available to more children, please visit our Giving page.(Give to Leaps & Bounds) CTA -
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Hippotherapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by provider. Please contact our office for details.
What should my child wear to a session?
Closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing, and sunscreen are recommended.
How long are sessions?
Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes depending on the child’s needs.
Contact Us
Want to learn more or schedule an evaluation? Fill out the form below and our team will reach out to you.