Love Moves on the Back of a Horse
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Developed Programs
Equine Therapy services are divided into programs, which is essential to offer personalized treatment, adapted to the needs and capabilities of each practitioner. This structure allows for gradual and safe progression, with specific stages that accompany the physical, cognitive and emotional development of practitioners. Each program meets different objectives, ensuring that the techniques applied are appropriate and maximize therapeutic benefits. In addition, this division ensures a controlled and safe environment, promoting the practitioner's autonomy and facilitating their social inclusion, whether in a therapeutic or sports context.
Hippotherapy
The HYPOTHERAPY program is considered the initial phase of Equine Therapy, as it is more passive and focused on basic motor gain.
Objectives : The use of the horse's three-dimensional movement to promote motor and postural gains in the practitioner, aiming at gains in balance, coordination and muscle tone, acting in a therapeutic and sensory way.
Target audience : People with physical, neurological, intellectual or multiple disabilities with low motor autonomy
Techniques used : Leading the horse at a walk, varying the rider's positions and coordination and balance exercises on the horse.
Required team: To carry out the Hippotherapy program, at least three qualified professionals are required, ensuring safety and efficiency in the service: These professionals work in an integrated manner, aiming at the well-being and therapeutic progress of the practitioner. They are:
Session mediator: The therapist responsible for planning and executing therapeutic activities, monitoring the progress of the practitioner. This person is usually a professional in the field of physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech therapist.
Horse guide (driver): controls the horse during the session, guiding it safely and at the rider's pace. This position is usually held by the riding instructor himself, as he is an expert in handling and training the horse, ensuring that the animal is suitable for therapeutic use.
Side assistant: Professional who walks alongside the horse, on the opposite side of the mediator and has the role of providing physical support and safety, especially for those riders with little stability or body control.
Education/Reeducation
The EDUCATION/REEDUCATION program requires greater active involvement from the practitioner in cognitive and behavioral tasks, promoting more autonomy and interaction.
Objectives : To stimulate social skills, autonomy and re-education of behaviors, helping the practitioner to better integrate into the social environment and overcome emotional challenges.
Target audience : People with intellectual, emotional or behavioral disabilities. Practitioners who have already achieved basic motor control and seek to develop cognitive, social and emotional skills and it is also indicated for those who need re-education in behavior, social integration and communication skills .
Techniques used : Exercises involving memorization, decision-making and coordination. Dynamics that stimulate communication, collaboration and social interaction. Posture and motor control are worked on so that the practitioner assumes greater control over the horse, promoting self-esteem and stimulating independence. Laterality exercises with the objective of developing spatial and body perception. Work can be done in small groups.
Required team: 2 to 3 people are needed to run a session, including:
Session facilitator: The therapist who leads the therapeutic activities. This person is usually a professional in the areas of psychology, pedagogy, psychopedagogy, physical education or occupational therapy.
Horse guide (driver): Responsible for adapting equestrian activities to the needs of the rider .
Side assistant (in some cases): In this program, this professional will only participate in the session if the practitioner still needs assistance during more complex activities to provide physical or emotional support. This role can be performed by any member of the multidisciplinary team, but the specialty is chosen according to the practitioner's individual needs.
Pre-Sports
The PRE-SPORT program is considered the transition stage between the therapeutic phase and the practice of equestrian sports, preparing the physical and emotional for a future condition as an athlete and greater autonomy.
Objectives : To develop motor coordination, strength, balance and skills necessary for sports practice. To prepare the practitioner for a possible transition to equestrian sport or other sports. To promote self-sufficiency and physical strengthening.
Target audience : Practitioners who have already gone through the therapeutic phase (Hypotherapy or Education/Reeducation) and who have evolved towards greater motor and physical control. People with disabilities who wish to acquire or improve sports skills, but who are not yet ready for competitions.
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Techniques : Activities that involve controlling the reins, posture and horse control with the aim of working on strength and coordination. Exercises that improve resistance, balance and muscular strength and autonomy.
Professionals :
Riding Instructor: guides and supervises the practitioner in equestrian techniques and horse control.
Therapist (usually a physical therapist or occupational therapist): monitors physical and motor condition, adjusting exercises to promote strength and balance.
Horse guide (when necessary) : can help in the first stages, until the participant becomes more independent. This program differs from others because it is a more intense preparation for sports, focusing on physical and motor development, without the pressure of competition.
Para-Equestrian
The PARA-EQUESTRIAN program is focused on equestrian sports practice adapted for people with disabilities, to promote inclusion through sport, developing physical, motor and competitive skills. This program differs from others due to its performance-oriented nature.
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Objetivos: Preparar praticantes para competições equestres adaptadas, melhorar habilidades motoras, coordenação e autoconfiança e promover inclusão social por meio do esporte.
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Público-alvo: Pessoas com deficiências físicas, sensoriais ou intelectuais que já possuam controle motor e desejam participar de atividades esportivas e tenham autonomia suficiente para participar de competições.
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Técnicas utilizadas: Treinamento de habilidades equestres utilizando exercícios de condução do cavalo em diferentes modalidades. Desenvolvimento de coordenação motora fina e grossa adquirida através do manuseio de rédeas e controle de postura. Práticas competitivas, incluindo simulações e preparação para competições adaptadas.
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Equipe necessária: São necessárias de 1 a 2 pessoas para executar uma sessão, sendo eles:
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Instrutor de Equitação Adaptada: orienta o praticante nas técnicas equestres e prepara para as competições.
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Mediador Terapeuta (opcional): monitora a condição física e emocional do praticante durante os treinos, pode ser composto por fisioterapeuta, psicólogo ou terapeuta ocupacional.
Monitoring
Monitoring implemented in 2022, consists of promoting new possibilities for positioning in life, as it has as a characteristic the insertion into the job market and/or even serves as an alternative for transdisciplinary equine therapy treatment, by maintaining contact with the Center's activities. This current program is also a therapeutic alternative for practitioners who complain of low sociability, difficulties in social interaction, disorganization, low level of coping with challenges appropriate to their age group.
Psychotherapy for caregivers
The last and major program developed in 2022 entitled Group Psychotherapeutic Treatment for Practitioners' Caregivers aims to provide moments of welcome for practitioners' caregivers with the aim of supporting families and broadening the view on the demands of each practitioner. The group is intended to promote interaction between caregivers that allows them to exchange experiences, as well as to resignify their experiences, in addition to stimulating reflections that promote the adoption of appropriate behaviors aimed at well-being and good family and social coexistence.
