Hippotherapy VS Therapeutic Riding; Is there a difference in the horse-related programs?

A year or so ago I wrote a blog post about a therapeutic riding program in Albuquerque called "Cloud Dancers of the Southwest." (see http://activerain.com/blogsview/130006/Therapeutic-Riding-Albuquerque-Horses ). I described the program as "hippotherapy."

A recent reader of that blog emailed me to explain that there actually is a difference between "therapeutic riding" and "hippotherapy." This reader, Karen Molony, should know the difference, as she actually is a hippotherapist! She is currently working with Cloud Dancers setting up a hippotherapy program in additions to their already-existing therapeutic riding program. And she kindly provided me with a detailed explanation of the differences, so that I could set the record straight.

Apparently, while both types of programs use horses to help children, there are what Karen calls "immense differences" between the two.

In a recent email, Karen said:

"Basically, hippotherapy uses the horse's movement as a therapeutic tool provided by specialized therapists (occupational, speech and physical therapists) trained to provide hippotherapy.

Therapeutic Riding is riding lesson conducted by a riding instructor specially
trained to work with children with varying disabilities. CloudDancers is known for their "Therapeutic Riding" programs. CloudDancers recently asked me to start a Hippotherapy Program with
them. So now they offer Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy programs to children who love horses."

More questions? You can reach CloudDancers at 505-363-1277, or call Karen direct at 505-908-0717.

Thanks, Karen! I try to present helpful and accurate information about various horse-related events, activities and opportunities on this blog and on my Albuquerque Horse Properties website, so I appreciate it when someone in the know can help me correct any misunderstandings.