The horse as a modality for occupational therapy.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of a horse as a therapeutic activity in the treatment of persons with physical disabilities. Occupational therapists have traditionally used goal-directed activities for treatment to achieve for patient gains in functional independence, both in specific dysfunctions and in the holistic manner of the patient interacting with the environment. The motivation of the patient to partake actively in the therapy is seen as a significant factor in the outcome of treatment. Hippotherapy involves the active participation of the patient in specifically prescribed activities with goal-directed results. The horse and the riding ring provide a non-traditional setting which can increase motivation of the patient and be ideal for the development of perceptual-motor coordination and sensory integration. The effective treatment of physical dysfunction using a horse to facilitate positive functional changes in patients will be discussed.