Welcome to the Buckaroo Barn!
Physical Therapy Specializing in Hippotherapy for Special Little Buckaroos
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hip·po·ther·a·py Pronunciation: /ˌhi-pə-ˈther-ə-pē/
Function: n : physical therapy in which a patient (as one affected with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis) sits or lies on the back of a horse for thetherapeutic effect of the horse's movement |
What is Hippotherapy? The term "hippotherapy" refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to achieve functional outcomes. In conjunction with the affordances of the equine environment and other treatment strategies, hippotherapy is part of a patient's integrated plan of care.
Hippotherapy is a medical treatment tool which uses the movement of the horse to influence the rider's posture, balance, function, and sensory processing. Benefits of Hippotherapy include:
Hippotherapy also provides:
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Why a Horse? The three-dimensional movement of the horse provides a repetitive pattern of movement to the patient's body similar to the pattern of normal human walking.
The therapist carefully provides the degree of sensory input activities that are enjoyable and challenging for the patient. In addition, the horse motivates the patient to actively participate, allowing new posture and movement strategies. Testimonials "Buckaroo Barn is a place where children's dreams come true and parents watch miracles happen.
John (seven years old with Cerebral Palsy) has been under Kristye's care at the Buckaroo Barn for three years. The horse back riding and physical therapy have helped John's legs develop and strengthen. He has gone from strictly crawling to walking with some assistance. The sessions at Buckaroo Barn have also been wonderful for John's mind and spirit. John is more out going, happier, more independent, and more confident. Kristye and her staff treat John with kindness and gentleness, yet they are firm in their instruction which is what John needs. We truly appreciate what Kristye and her staff at the Buckaroo Barn have done for John and our family." Perry Pickard "My son, Conor, is five years old and has been attending hippotherapy for 2.5 years, and it has done wonders for him. He has low tone CP and could only ride with the use of a boppy pillow for 15 minutes at a time when he started. He now rides for an hour sitting up with and without the use of a handle. Conor is also able to sit up on his own and can stand for a few seconds with assistance. Thanks to hippotherapy, Conor has made great progress.
The staff at the Buckaroo Barn is wonderful and they all want Conor to reach every possible goal. I am grateful I found hippotherapy." Tammy Rivera A Very Thankful Mother |
