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American Hippotherapy Association

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American Hippotherapy Association

Hippotherapy: occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology with the help of a horse Why the Horse?

The horse’s walk provides sensory input through movement, which is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the patient are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. The variability of the horse’s gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the patient, and then utilize this movement in combination with other treatment strategies to achieve desired results. Patients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable experience in a natural setting.

10/16/2026

✨ it’s been a busy fall, so we are extending our Board of Directors nominations for two more weeks! ✨

The Board of Directors works in conjunction with our Executive Director to govern the association while also taking on projects to enhance and support AHA, Inc.’s future. Any AHA, Inc. Member in good standing is encouraged to apply.

Do you (or someone you know) have some of the key skills and experience we are looking for?! 🔎

🔑 Veterinary Knowledge
🔑 Financial Experience
🔑 Strategic & Visionary Thinker
🔑 Fundraising & Grant Writing Experience
🔑 Healthcare Professional (MH, OT, PT, SLP)

If you are interested in applying or know of someone who might be a good fit, more information and the application can be found on our website. Self-nominations are encouraged! ✍️ 💻💼

10/15/2026

We can’t keep it to ourselves much longer! 🫣🤫What do you think we’re announcing on Saturday?! Tell us in the comments below👀📥🐎

10/14/2026

The Three Pillars of Equine-Assisted Services (EAS): Knowing Where We Stand📍📍📍

This week, we are breaking down the three divisions of EAS and why it is important to stay in our therapy lane and use language that reflects our specific service. 🚦⚠️🚙

The AHA, Inc. states that EAS is a unifying term used for convenience when discussing two or more human services of different focus that include horses. The term is not therapy-first language and therefore should only be used in the plural. It is always preferable to use the most descriptive term and it should never be used to represent a stand-alone entity.

The three distinct pillars of EAS include:
* THERAPY: Treatment provided by a licensed healthcare professional, such as an OT, PT, SLP, or mental health clinician working within their scope of practice.

* EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING: Non-healthcare services that incorporate equines in three areas of focus (education, personal, organizational). Professionals will have training in the core area of expertise along with experience in equine applications.

* HORSEMANSHIP: Non-therapy services adapted from traditional equestrian disciplines that span from leisure to adaptive sport. All are instructed by equine professionals with specialized training or certification.

Staying in our therapy lane is critical for professional integrity. Overlapping these services can lead to confusion for patients, liability issues, and compliance risks regarding billing integrity.✨

❗️Refer back to the AHA, Inc. Terminology for Healthcare Document (link in the comments) for more information!

Engage to win! Drop your answer to the “question of the week” in the comments section to be entered into our prize drawing! Every comment = one entry! 👇 📥🎟️

10/12/2026

Week 4 of our Terminology Tips series has ended and our followers definitely know their stuff!✨📖🐴

We randomly drew a name from all who commented and this week’s winner is- Anna Cieslewicz Sullivan! Congratulations! 🎊 👏🏻🎉

All prizes will be distributed at the end of the series, so be on the lookout for an email November. 🗓️🏆 Remember- you can win more than once, so keep the answers coming (one comment = one entry)! 🎟️

Week Five is coming tomorrow, so be sure to brush up on the terminology we haven’t posted about yet! 👀📥⏳

10/07/2026

Promoting Professionalism: Your Business Beyond the Horse

How you talk about your practice represents your treatment philosophy to the public and your payers. When marketing your business, ensure your clinical expertise remains the centerpiece of your services. ✨🗣️💻

Terms such as “hippotherapy program,” “hippotherapy services” or “hippotherapy session” incorrectly portray a separate service that is not recognized in the U.S. You worked hard for your therapy license, so don’t let a single tool overshadow your professional identity—make your clinical skills the “front and center” of your business!

🔑 Key Marketing Takeaways:
* Focus on the Toolbox: Equine movement is one of many tools you use in your plan of care.
* Audit Your Business Name: Ensure your practice name accurately reflects the full scope of your therapy services.
* Show Variety: Use website and social media photos that highlight all aspects of your practice to show you provide skilled OT, PT, or SLP with approaches and tools individualized to patient needs.
* Therapy vs. Sport: If you work at a center that offers adaptive riding or other non-therapy services, clearly delineate between clinical therapy services and recreational programs to avoid confusion and potential reimbursement or liability issues.

Click the link in our bio or below in the comments for the full EAR Committee Marketing Guidelines!

Engage to win! 🏆 Drop your answer to the “question of the week” in the comments section to be entered into our prize drawing! 👇 Thoughtful responses to others comments will count as additional entries⏳🎟️📥

10/05/2026

Week 3 of our Terminology Tips series has ended and WOW 🤩 do you all know your terminology or what! 📖💫🐴

We randomly drew a name from all who commented and this week’s winner is- Joni Laster! Congratulations! 🎉🎉

All prizes will be distributed at the end of the series, so be on the lookout for an email November. 🗓️🏆 Remember! You can win more than once, so keep the answers coming (one comment = one entry)! 🎟️

Week Four drops tomorrow 👀📥⏳

10/04/2026

Our colleagues at the American Hippotherapy Certification Board have a new page! ✨💻

This page, along with their website, is your go-to place to keep with all things AHCB- from certification options, to testing requirements, to looking up certified professionals in your area. Be sure to give them a follow on Facebook today!👉

09/30/2026

Therapy-First Language: Always Lead with Your License!

This week, we’re diving into “therapy-first language” – a crucial concept recommended by the AHA, Inc. regardless of your profession!

Say This:
✅PT session that uses equine movement as a treatment tool
✅OT service that includes hippotherapy as a treatment tool
✅SLP plan of care that incorporates hippotherapy as a treatment tool

Avoid this:
❌ Hippotherapy program/session/practice
❌ Equine-assisted OT, PT or SLP

Why?! These terms leave out the skilled medical service being provided. “Hippotherapist” is not a recognized profession in the U.S.! 🚫

Think about it this way: A therapy ball is another clinical tool…would you say “therapy ball session” or “therapy ball practice?” NO! Equine movement is one of many tools in your clinical toolbox!
Why is this important?
🔹 Clarity: It clearly defines the licensed medical service being delivered.
🔹 Transparency: Clients know exactly what healthcare service they’re receiving.
🔹 Ethical Billing: It ensures you are billing for skilled clinical care rather than the tool itself.

Want to learn more? Refer back to the AHA, Inc. Terminology for Healthcare Document at this link for more information!

Engage to win! Drop your answer to the “question of the week” in the comments section to be entered into our prize drawing! Every comment = one entry! 👇

09/29/2026

Week 2 of our Terminology Tips series is in the books and all of you who commented are SUPER STARS! 📖💫🐴

We randomly drew a name from all who commented and this week’s winner is- JoAnn Krofta! Congratulations! 🎉🎉

All prizes will be distributed at the end of the series, so be on the lookout for an email November. 🗓️🏆Remember! You can win more than once, so keep the answers coming (one comment = one entry)! 🎟️

Week three drops tomorrow night 👀📥⏳

09/26/2026

Our next Connection Course is happening in just under 2 weeks! Are you registered?! 🧐📝✍️

Geared towards OT, PT, SLP professionals, this course provides an overview of primitive reflexes, their impact on sensory-motor development, postural control, coordination, attention, emotional regulation, and functional participation, as well as therapeutic strategies to support reflex integration through movement-based intervention.

The course will emphasize use of modified vaulting movements, rhythmic movement patterns, sensory-motor activities, and therapeutic exercises that can be implemented both on the equine and within clinic-based settings when medical-quality equine movement is unavailable or not clinically appropriate.

The best part?! This course is APPROVED for AOTA & ASHA CEUs! If you are a PT who is attending this course and are looking for CEUs, please reach out to us directly at [email protected]. 🎉

Head over to the link in our bio or our website to learn more and register today (if you haven’t already 😉)! ✨💻📥

Address

1001 A E. Harmony Road PMB 12
Fort Collins, CO
80525

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 3pm
Tuesday	9am - 3pm
Wednesday	9am - 3pm
Thursday	9am - 3pm
Friday	9am - 12pm

Website

http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/

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