We are now offering hippotherapy with Chartered Physiotherapist Hannah Balderson

Hippotherapy is physiotherapy for people with disabilities using the horse as the therapy tool. So, unlike Riding for the Disabled, it is not about learning how to ride a horse. Instead it is utilising the movement of the horse and different positions on the horse (eg side sitting, rear facing) to encourage different muscle groups to engage to increase strength, flexibility, postural control etc.

Each person will first have an Physiotherapy assessment with Hannah, which is free of charge. This will determine whether hippotherapy is a suitable treatment, and if so, to create person centred goals and a treatment plan. The sessions are always 1:1 with Hannah and volunteers will be there to assist. The last for 30 minutes with the lovely Bank Farm RDA ponies who have been specifically trained for hippotherapy.

These sessions can be on-going or may be used in a shorter block with a view to be able to increase the person’s abilities to be able to join the RDA group sessions if appropriate. Hannah is also able to offer Therapeutic Riding for those who are more able but would benefit from physiotherapy input to assist with their riding and exercises for their specific needs. Hippotherapy can include those who have more complex needs, who may be younger, are not able to stand or mobilise, or in some cases do not have sitting balance. We do not have hoist facilities so the person must be able to transfer with assistance or be small enough to lift.

Please see the website chilternhippotherapy.co.uk for more details or contact Hannah for any queries or to arrange an assessment at info@chilternhippotherapy.co.uk or 07743497318.