"The greatest happiness in the world lies on the horse's back"
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What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy, more commonly known as Equine Therapy is a method of psychomotor rehabilitation that happens through the use of horse riding. It helps to improve co-ordination, balance and strength and can be used at any age and helps patients to overcome their fears, build bonds, express their emotions and communicate with the world.
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Horses have been used in therapy throughout history with their amazing power to heal. When in close proximity to a horse companionship, comfort and a strong sense of well-being is provided. Many children and adults struggle with their mental and physical health so creating these feelings is really important. The sessions also help with other sensory issues like touch, hearing, sight and smell.
Using a horse in a therapy session also serves as a motivational aid, making it easier for the therapist to establish a relationship with the child. Often these children undergo many various rehabilitations and do not necessarily want to make contact with another therapist, therefore the presence of the horse in the therapy is very beneficial.
Sitting on a horse's back creates a feeling of one's own body, its pattern and orientation in space changes and the personal, emotional and intellectual sphere develop. In addition, the sense of self-esteem and independence increases, e.g. a patient who does not walk alone now can suddenly wander into new areas on the horse's back. Also, when on the horse, circulation quickly increases, improving the work of internal organs and the body's immunity.
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Rehabilitation through Hippotherapy has been known to help children with Autism, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Abnormal Gait Patterns and Recovery from Amputations - the list is endless!
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Benefits
"learning to walk without walking"
Supporting balance and coordination
Increasing self-esteem
Developing social contacts
Sensory Feedback
Muscle strengthening
Calming and mood enhancing effect
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WE HAVE MOVED!
WE ARE ABSOLUTELY THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT ON THE 1ST APRIL WE TOOK OVER THE AMAZING MANOR EQUESTRIAN CENTRE IN OWER. THIS HAS GIVEN US THE FACILITY TO BE ABLE TO OFFER ALL LESSONS IN A BEAUTIFUL, BIG INDOOR ARENA MEANING NO MORE RAIN!!
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EXTRA INFO
Staff and Volunteers
All of our staff are trained or are training towards BHS (British Horse Society) standards, and all volunteers have training before starting. Everyone is DBS checked and all staff are also trained in safeguarding and first aid.
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Our Yard
Our beautiful yard is situated at Ower. We have 8 riding school horses and ponies of different heights and builds. They ALL love to be groomed and cuddled and will accept endless amounts of fuss and pampering!
We have a a beautiful indoor arena with a lovely viewing area, kitchen and toilets. The yard is fully insured and licensed, and all relevant policies, procedures and risk assessments are in place.
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Parents and Visitors
For all those accompanying children for lessons an assessment form and disclaimer before sessions need to be filled out to ensure the needs and wishes of the children are met. Sessions will be planned for each individual visitor and progress be will celebrated.
We very much look forward to seeing you at the centre soon!
Meet Our Horses
Get in touch
The Flutterby Fund Charity Equine Therapy Centre,
Manor Equestrian Centre
Old Salisbury Road,
Ower
Southampton,
SO51 6FA