Frequently Asked Question's

Speech in Motion is not currently an in-network provider. However, a super bill can be provided; please contact your insurance company directly to inquire about the out of network coverage. A doctor referral for Speech and Language Evaluation and Therapy is recommended.

Therapists (SLP, OT, PT), trained in the use of equine movement, facilitate improvements in patient balance, strength, mobility, gait, sensory processing and regulation, coordination, speech, language, communication, vocal intensity, and participation in daily activities. The movement of the horse is one of many tools that can be used during a session to facilitate progress in achieving these goals.

The following information are excerpts taken from the American Hippotherapy Association webpage cited below:

Equine movement is a multidimensional dynamic medium that provides graded sustained neuromotor input at an average rate of 100 beats/minute. There is an average of 2000 to 2500 neuromotor inputs per therapy session. Examples of other dynamic movement mediums in physical, occupational and speech-language therapy include therapy balls, trampolines, and various swings, just to name a few.

When including hippotherapy in treatment, therapists carefully select horses for their clients, based on their temperament, movement and confirmation. The movement of the horse is then carefully and purposefully manipulated to impact the client. In addition, skilled and licensed therapists use various developmental positions to further enhance this movement. Hippotherapy is combined with other standard therapy tools/strategies in an intervention plan designed to address the treatment needs of the client.

**Hippotherapy differs from horseback riding and adaptive riding (sometimes referred to as “therapeutic riding”). Adaptive riding is a riding lesson adapted for individuals with special needs taught by horseback riding instructors. This activity is recreationally based, and goals may address leisure, education, socialization, competition in the sport, and fitness. It is not the goal of the riding instructor to rehabilitate, but rather to improve riding skills and quality of life through participation in an enjoyable activity. It is important for consumers to understand the difference between medical treatment provided by a licensed health care professional and adaptive/recreation activities.

https://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/for-therapists-students