hippotherapy
noun
hip·po·ther·a·py
ˌhi-pə-ˈther-ə-pē 
plural hippotherapies
: therapy to treat neurological, physical, cognitive, or communication deficits in which a patient (as one affected by cerebral palsy, stroke, autism spectrum disorder, or multiple sclerosis) sits or lies on the back of a horse for the therapeutic effect of the horse's movement
In hippotherapy, the patient engages in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled hippotherapy environment the therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sensory input.—
Kelsey Kimbler
Kelsey KimblerExamples of hippotherapy in a Sentence
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Using horses for speech, occupational and physical therapy is known as hippotherapy.
—Kelly Wilkinson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 May 2022
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Kelly Wilkinson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 May 2022
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“Hippotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hippotherapy. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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hippotherapy
noun
hip·po·ther·a·py
ˌhip-ə-ˈther-ə-pē
: therapy to treat neurological, physical, cognitive, or communication deficits in which a patient (as one affected by cerebral palsy, stroke, autism, or multiple sclerosis) sits or lies on the back of a horse for the therapeutic effect of the horse's movement
Hippotherapy resulted in improvement in postural balance in the sitting position, dynamic balance, and functionality in children with cerebral palsy, an effect particularly significant after 24 hippotherapy sessions.—Andréa Gomes Moraes et al., Journal of Physical Therapy Science
Andréa Gomes Moraes et al., Journal of Physical Therapy ScienceHippotherapy can benefit children and adults with sensory processing disorder, autism, motor incoordination, feeding problems, ADHD, behavior issues and self-regulation challenges by strengthening the development of fine visual and sensory motor skills.—The News-Press (Fort Myers, Florida)
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