Two types of horseback riding therapy are widely
available: hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding (THR). In hippotherapy, a physical or occupational therapist controls the horse to influence the child’s posture, balance, coordination, strength and sensorimotor systems while the child interacts with the horse and responds to the movement of the horse. In contrast, THR is led by a trained riding instructor with the child actively controlling the horse as a form of exercise to improve coordination, balance and posture, and to encourage development of sensory and perceptual motor skills. Although there are some differences between hippotherapy and THR, their therapeutic goals are essentially the same for children with CP. The warmth and shape of the horse and the rhythmic, three-dimensional movement of horseback riding are believed to improve the flexibility, posture, balance and mobility of the rider.