What is Hippotherapy?
Instructed by:
Lisa Harris, MSVS, PT, HPCS**
After graduating from Auburn University with a BS in
Animal Science, Lisa received two degrees from the
University of Kentucky: an MS in Vet Science,
specializing in Equine Biomechanics and an MS in
Physical Therapy. . She currently practices physical
therapy in an outpatient, private practice setting in
Georgetown, Kentucky. She served on the AHA Board of
Directors for 7 years as the Research Chair and the
editor of HIPPOTHERAPY. She is a Hippotherapy
Clinical Specialist and a PATH, Intl Advanced
Therapeutic Riding Instructor. She has published an
article on Equine Biomechanics in the Journal of
Veterinary Science, and has presented in the US and
Canada material from her MS Thesis. She has Evented
through the Intermediate Two Star Level and has
coached young riders through Preliminary Level.
Workshop Location
Horseshoes of Hope Equine Academy
at Bradford Woods
5040 St. Rd. 67 North
Martinsville, IN 46151
765-352-9000
Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational and
speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes
equine movement. Hippotherapy is utilized as
part of an integrated treatment program to
achieve functional outcomes. In hippotherapy, the
patient engages in activities on the horse that are
enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled
therapy environment, the therapist directs the
horse’s movement and carefully grades sensory
input. Specific riding skills are not taught as in
adaptive horseback riding. In a PT, OT or Speech
treatment session which incorporates
hippotherapy as one of the treatment strategies,
the patient benefits from a foundation which is
established through the movement of the horse to
improve the neurological function and sensory
processing. This foundation can be generalized to
a wide range of daily activities. Therapists have
used the movement of the horse for treatment
since the 1970’s. Hippotherapy is currently
utilized in 24 countries around the world.
Go to the American Hippotherapy
Association (AHA) website:
www.americanhippotherapyassociation.
org
As of 1/1//2005, AHA Level 1 Therapist or
assistant and PATH Inter. Registered Therapist or
assistant eligibility require both courses that are
being offered these 4 days. Therapy professionals
completing Level 1 may waive taking the Equine
Skills Level 1 course if they have documentation
of horse skills such as: Pony Club Levels, PATH
INTL. Registered Instructor, USDF Bronze medal.
In addition, an applicant may submit two letters
to the coordinating faculty, one by a credentialed
equine person and the other by someone who can
attest to their equine skills to determine if Level 1
Equine Skills can be waived by the AHA
Coordinating Faculty.
Ask about on-site accommodations
at Bradford Woods
Presents
American Hippotherapy
Association
Approved Level 1
Equine Skills
April 6, 2013
Level 1 Treatment Principles
Course
April 7, 8 & 9, 2013
These course are mandatory to become eligible
for Registered Therapist Status
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Physical Therapy
Have questions??? Contact:
jlambert@horseshoesofhope.org
Continuing Education
Certificates of attendance with contact hours
will be provided to all participants to submit
to their individual professional
organizations for continuing education
credits.
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Equine Skills Course
8 Contact Hours
Description and Objectives
This 1-day, hands-on, course targets
therapists and assistants with minimal to no
horse experience in non-mounted equine
skills. Participants will work with horses in
teams of two or three, with close supervision
and assistance allowing an opportunity for
demonstration, practice and individualized
feedback and instruction.
Treatment Principles Course
19 Contact Hours
This 3 day course is designed for entry level
therapists utilizing Hippotherapy as a
treatment strategy and those in or working
with Hippotherapy teams. Hands on
practicums are available in this course. It can
be attended by graduate physical,
occupational, speech therapists, horse
handlers and riding instructors.

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Understand how the horses
movement affects human systems –
A Systems Approach
Describe possible responses of a
patient to the movement of the
horses walk.
Learn the unique contributions of
the horse’s movement as a

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treatment strategy and potential
benefit for the patient.
Be able to identify key
considerations for patient selection
for hippotherapy including specific
contraindications and precautions.
Be able to describe the key
elements of patient evaluation and
treatment planning.
Learn the methods of maximizing
effects of Hippotherapy, including
school figures and movement
progressions.
Learn the proper selection and use
of Hippotherapy equipment for the
horse and patient.
Understand the business aspects
related to Hippotherapy including
documentation, recordkeeping,
reimbursement and insurance.
Cancellation Policy: AHA and the host facility
reserve the right to adjust program dates, times
and faculty to accommodate unforeseen
circumstances; we will only notify advanced
registrants of any program changes. Neither AHA
nor Horseshoes of Hope Equine Academy are
responsible for any expenses incurred by
registrants due to such adjustments. AHA and the
host facility reserve the right to cancel a course
due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen
circumstances up to 2 weeks prior to start of the
course. If a participant wishes to cancel;
cancellation notices must be provided in writing
from participants up to 2 weeks prior to the
course start date to receive a refund minus a $50
administrative fee. No refunds will be given for
cancellations received within two weeks prior to
the start of the course.
REGISTRATION FORM
Name: ___________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ________________________________
___________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
AHA Member # : _______________________________
Professional & License # ____________________
I am a (circle one): PATH INTL Instructor
/ Horse Handler / Administrator / Other
_______________________
AHA Manuals, Breakfast and Lunch are
provided.
Early Registration
______ Equine Skills Members-$200.00
______ Equine Skills Non-Members-$250.00
______ Level 1 TP members-$550.00
______ Level 1 TP Non-Members-$650.00
______ Both Courses-$750.00
______ Both Courses Non-Members $850.00
After March21, 2013
Add $100. 00 late fee
Make checks payable to: CFMC HoH Fund