Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the horse,” from the Greek word “hippos” meaning horse. In hippotherapy, specially trained occupational, physical, or speech therapists use the multi-dimensional movement of the horse to simulate a “normal” human gait pattern, allowing the patient to learn new movement strategies similar to those used in walking, crawling, or performing daily activities. The dynamic base of support provided by the horse is an excellent means of increasing trunk control, postural strength, balance, and motor planning. Sensory input is provided to the vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, and visual systems. Specific riding skills are not taught, as they are in therapeutic riding; rather, the therapist uses treatment techniques specific to his or her discipline in combination with the unique tool of the horse’s movement to improve neurological and sensory processing which carries over into improved functioning in daily activities. In addition, the natural setting, presence of the horse, and continually changing environment stimulate the senses, promote active problem-solving, and make therapy fun.

Freedom Reins
Since 2001, more than 1.9 million U.S. service members have deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.

More than 35,000 service members have been physically wounded, and over 320,000 have sustained a traumatic brain injury.

Nearly 20% of U.S. service members returning from combat will report symptoms of PTSD or major depression.
San Diego County is home to more than 27,000 veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom – the highest number of any county in the United States.

San Diego Hippotherapy is honored to provide therapeutic/recreational riding and equine-assisted activities to our wounded military service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, including those with amputations, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Mounted lessons improve muscle tone, balance, coordination, and confidence. Dismounted sessions work to build a direct connection with the horse, building trust and communication, and providing an opportunity for emotional release, unconditional acceptance, and a sense of accomplishment.

In The Valley of the Sun
Families of service members make sacrifices every day. Our “In the Valley of the Sun” program provides military children ages 5-12 whose parents have been injured in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, or whose parents are currently deployed, the opportunity to spend a day at the farm, learning horsemanship skills, riding, and just having fun. Instruction will be given in riding, horse care, and grooming. In addition, participants will get a chance to visit with the farm animals, learn ranch skills such as roping, and enjoy time with other children who understand what they are going through. This program is becoming a community-supported event, with assistance given by local high-school age rodeo participants and rodeo queens!