Its earliest recorded mention is in the writings of Hippocrates who discussed the therapeutic value of riding
Hippotherapy has a long, rich history dating back to the Ancient Greeks. It's earliest recorded mention is in the writings of Hippocrates who discussed the therapeutic value of riding. Ancient Greeks used horses in treating people with incurable illnesses. The claimed benefits of therapeutic riding have been dated back to 17th century literature where it is documented that it was prescribed for neurological disorders and "low morale". In 1946, Equine Therapy was introduced in Scandinavia after an outbreak of poliomyelitis.
In the early part of the 20th century, "riding for the disabled" or RDA became known as a beneficial form of therapy leading to riding therapy being provided for wounded soldiers at the Oxford Hospital during World War I. By the 1950's, British physiotherapists were exploring the possibilities of riding as therapy for all types of disabilities. The British Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) was founded in 1969 with the enthusiastic support of the Royal Family.
Lis Hartel, an accomplished horsewoman, contracted the poliomyelitis during the 1946 outbreak in Scandinavia. While surgery and physical therapy helped her to walk again with the aid of crutches, her goal was to ride independently. To reach that goal she started daily supervised riding sessions to improve muscle strength and coordination. Her determination won her the Silver Medal for Dressage at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games and garnered world wide attention for hippotherapy.
Hippotherapy has a long, rich history dating back to the Ancient Greeks. It's earliest recorded mention is in the writings of Hippocrates who discussed the therapeutic value of riding. Ancient Greeks used horses in treating people with incurable illnesses. The claimed benefits of therapeutic riding have been dated back to 17th century literature where it is documented that it was prescribed for neurological disorders and "low morale". In 1946, Equine Therapy was introduced in Scandinavia after an outbreak of poliomyelitis.
In the early part of the 20th century, "riding for the disabled" or RDA became known as a beneficial form of therapy leading to riding therapy being provided for wounded soldiers at the Oxford Hospital during World War I. By the 1950's, British physiotherapists were exploring the possibilities of riding as therapy for all types of disabilities. The British Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) was founded in 1969 with the enthusiastic support of the Royal Family.
Lis Hartel, an accomplished horsewoman, contracted the poliomyelitis during the 1946 outbreak in Scandinavia. While surgery and physical therapy helped her to walk again with the aid of crutches, her goal was to ride independently. To reach that goal she started daily supervised riding sessions to improve muscle strength and coordination. Her determination won her the Silver Medal for Dressage at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games and garnered world wide attention for hippotherapy.
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Equine Assisted Therapy vs. Hippotherapy
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