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The Bridge Center

Hippotherapy vs. Adaptive Riding: Which Program Is Right for Me?

Both hippotherapy and adaptive riding offer unique benefits, but they serve different goals and needs. This webpage breaks down the distinctions to help you decide: Which program is right for you?

What is it?

  • Hippotherapy (HPOT)- Equine movement is used as a medical-based treatment tool to meet functional goals. Incorporated into physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language pathology treatment sessions. Not a horseback riding lesson.
  • Adaptive Riding & Horsemanship- Recreational and educational opportunity to learn to ride or handle a horse. Taught in a modified setting with differentiated instruction and adaptive equipment. Can target specific disciplines (i.e., Versatility, Dressage, Western).

What does it do?

  • Hippotherapy (HPOT)- Engages sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes. An excellent, clinically based tool used to increase strength, endurance, motor planning, balance, coordination, respiratory control, sensory integration, and attentional skills.
  • Adaptive Riding & Horsemanship- Targets physical and social/ emotional objectives. Fosters independence, confidence, and self-regulation.

Who runs the session?

  • Hippotherapy (HPOT)- Licensed physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language pathology professionals. Trained volunteers assist as equine leaders and sidewalkers.
  • Adaptive Riding & Horsemanship- Licensed horseback riding instructors. Trained volunteers assist as equine leaders and sidewalkers only when necessary.

What is involved?

  • Hippotherapy (HPOT)- 1:1 hands-on assistance by a therapist to help clients meet goals. Equine movement as a therapy treatment tool, along with unmounted activities, is typically performed in a barn setting. Initial evaluation provides recommendations for therapy services. Ongoing reassessment completed with formal re-evaluation completed at least biannually.
  • Adaptive Riding & Horsemanship- Hands-on or more distant instruction from the center of the arena. Unmounted and mounted work with horses is included in each lesson. The first lesson focuses on groundwork and communication with the instructor and the horse. Objectives are established and reviewed each term.