How do E.F.P. and Therapeutic Riding differ from Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational or speech therapy treatment strategy utilizing equine movement. The unique movement of the horse becomes part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. Though the equine movement experienced during an E.F.P. session or Therapeutic Riding lesson may have some benefits similar to Hippotherapy, these programs all have different areas of focus. Where Hippotherapy’s primary focus is physical, E.F.P. is primarily centered around mental and emotional well-being, and Therapeutic Riding has a recreational focus. Just as E.F.P. must be facilitated by a licensed/credentialed mental health professional, Hippotherapy must be practiced by a credentialed physical, occupational, or speech therapist. As there are currently no appropriately qualified therapists on the Dream Quest staff, Dream Quest does not offer Hippotherapy.
