Mentors: Rachel Burns Volunteer Coordinator, Horse Handler, PATH Instructor at Walker Therapy
This year I worked to gain a deeper understanding of occupational therapists and the type patients they work with. Throughout my mentorship I also worked to learn more about the techniques, strategies, and procedures that are best utilized in hippotherapy sessions. My interest stemmed in wanting to learn about other forms of assisted therapy because, I want to help children in whichever way suits their needs best. I found throughout my research that hippotherapy can help patients gain the stimulus input that they are looking for which can help them to become more successful and focused. Furthermore, I found that the use of hippotherapy is not specific to any particular diagnosis. Children and adults with atypical behavior can benefit from hippotherapy because it provides such a wide variety of sensory input as well as stimulus. The horse can also provide a motivating factor and emotional bond can be formed between the client and horse. I am thankful for the information I have been able to learn about hippotherapy while apart of the Honors Mentorship Program it has opened my eyes to all of the different types of therapies that can be used during OT sessions.
Project Website: https://092018.wixsite.com/hippoandoccupational