HIPPOTHERAPY


The term “hippotherapy” comes from the Greek word “hippos”, meaning "horse", and translated means “treatment with the help of the horse", using the horse as a dynamic base to facilitate non-static postural control. Hippotherapy fosters improved trunk mobility and strength, which in turn affects overall limb function. The horse’s natural three-dimensional movement mimics a typical human gait creating a gentle rhythmic movement that aids in improving overall balance, strength, muscle control and tone, motor development and coordination.

Hippotherapy sessions are conducted by a licensed physical, occupational or speech and language therapist who has advanced education,and demonstrates their working knowledge of the safe and effective use of the horse’s movement as a therapy strategy integrated with neuromotor function and sensory processing.

POLLY BLUTTE, MOT, OTR/L ~ OCCUPATIONAL ​THERAPIST
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​Polly graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology before attaining a Masters of Occupational Therapy degree from Samuel Merritt University in 2006 and moved to Woodland shortly thereafter. For more than 10 years she has enjoyed working with children and adults with varying diagnoses in an array of settings.

​She is passionate about incorporating equine movement into her practice. Polly enjoys combining her love of horses with her skills as an occupational therapist. She is therefore able to assist her clients in achieving level of every day functionality in every day life activities.

Learn more about the practice: Hippotherapy from the American Hippotherapy Association.


​BECOME A RIDER

If you think you, or someone you know, could benefit from hippotherapy follow the Rider In-Take process outlined below to get the process started.
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*Please note that while no clinical diagnosis is necessary to participate, it is required that participants have a need for our specialized, therapeutic environment. Additionally, a participant must be at least 2 1/2 years of age to enroll in Hippotherapy. There is no maximum age for participation.

COMPLETE NEW PARTICIPANT PACKET
The New Participant Packet contains an Application, Consent & Release Form, Physician's Referral, Prescription and Medical History Form (which needs to be thoroughly filled out, signed by an MD, and dated to be valid).

SUBMIT NEW PARTICIPANT PACKET
This can be done in one of the following ways…
• Fax to: 530-406-1315
• E-mail to: pollyann@trotr.org
• Mail to:
T.R.O.T.R.
22408 County Road 102,
​Woodland, CA 95776

EVALUATION
Once T.R.O.T.R. has received your completed application, we will contact you to schedule an evaluation. An evaluation helps us ensure that we can safely accommodate you/your child in our program, recommend the proper class, develop therapeutic goals and create good rider/volunteer/horse teams. Not everyone can be accepted into the program due to safety or physical / medical contraindications.

REGISTER TO RIDE
Upon completion of an evaluation and determination by T.R.O.T.R. that we are able to safely accommodate the participant, the participant is able to register for services.


​HIPPOTHERAPY AT T.R.O.T.R.

Hippotherapy is 30 minutes once a week
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One on one instruction is lead by a licensed PT, OT or SPL. Services are offered year round operating on a session-to-session basis (generally four sessions of services a year).
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Sessions can vary in length from 9 to 12 weeks, depending on the time of year. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at varying times. Participants register to receive services for length of session.

Cost of session varies depending on length of session.
Cost is: $110.00 per week.
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T.R.O.T.R. does not work with any health care provider for billing. We will, if asked, provide clients with paperwork and receipts when seeking their own reimbursement.


​TESTIMONIAL

Due to a stroke at 5 days old, Mia has been through a variety of physical therapies. She started riding at TROTR over 4 years ago when she was 3. Whether riding in a saddle or bareback, facing forward, sideways, or backwards, going on a trail ride or through an obstacle course, she was always benefiting from her experience.
I love the confidence and ownership in her relationships with the horses. She will always think of the horses as her friends, even though she may not be aware of the full range of benefits she is gaining.
MANY MANY THANKS to the volunteers that make sure Mia is safe, while she is stretching or strengthening muscles, balancing on her weaker side, and learning to trust herself as well as the adults and horses. The volunteers make sure when Mia is on a horse...she is successful!
~ Ellen (Mia's Grandma)
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