HOPE Hippotherapy

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

☀️ It was a hot RDA session this Saturday, and Taffy was making the most of the shade in his stable with a good nap. 💤 That is, until I came in to tack him up!

With the warm weather, there were plenty of breaks for water and shade, and we held the session in the field rather than the arena to help keep everyone cooler. The only challenge? It was Taffy’s grazing field! 🌱 He made a couple of cheeky attempts to grab a quick snack, but otherwise he was the perfect pony.

We love you, Taffy! ❤️🐴

🦄

04/06/2026

Walk–halt–walk transitions in Hippotherapy may look simple, but they provide so many therapeutic benefits. 🐴

Each transition challenges balance, core strength and postural control as the rider’s body adjusts to the horse slowing, stopping and moving off again. They’re also a fantastic opportunity to work on communication, giving the child a chance to make choices and have an element of control within the session.

And our side walker’s smile says it all… moments like these are why this work is so rewarding ✨

03/06/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it onto my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Madeleine Lundberg,
Karen Howells,
Asia Jo Pärsons,
Gail Ratcliff,
Richard Forbes

02/06/2026

Rear facing in Hippotherapy whilst playing with toys may look like fun (and it absolutely is!) but there is so much therapy happening at the same time. 🐴🧸

Sitting backwards challenges different muscle groups compared to forward sitting. It encourages:
✨ Core strength and postural control
✨ Activation of back, tummy and hip muscles
✨ Balance reactions and coordination
✨ Weight shifting and trunk rotation
✨ Improved body awareness and motor planning

The movement of the horse provides continuous sensory input, helping with:
🌟 Regulation and attention
🌟 Sensory processing
🌟 Proprioception (understanding where our body is in space)
🌟 Vestibular input for balance and movement awareness

Adding toys into the session gives a child motivation and purpose whilst also working on:
🧩 Fine motor skills
🧩 Hand-eye coordination
🧩 Crossing the midline
🧩 Communication and interaction
🧩 Cognitive skills such as problem solving and turn taking

All whilst the horse’s rhythmic movement is constantly providing therapeutic benefits underneath them. Therapy through play, movement and connection. 💛

31/05/2026

⚠️ Warning: dodgy filming in action!

Note to self… don’t ask a 5 year old to video a trot up 🤣🎥🐴

This is Robbie, our much loved family pony, and we’re entering him into the BHS Golden Oldies competition… just definitely not with this video 😂

If you suffer with motion sickness, scroll on now! 🤢🤣

Despite the camera work, Robbie was a superstar as always ❤️🐴

29/05/2026

How was your half term? We stepped away for some precious family time and made the most of a much needed break together. Feeling refreshed, recharged and ready to get back to work next week… although not Hippotherapy just yet, because the next adventure is the European Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Lisbon!

I’m incredibly grateful to for helping to fund my accommodation and travel so I can attend. Opportunities like this mean I can continue learning, developing and bringing more knowledge back into my work with children and families.

Excited for what’s ahead and looking forward to sharing some of the experience along the way ✈️🇵🇹

28/05/2026

Side Sitting + Trotting Poles in Hippotherapy 🐴

Changing position and adding variety creates powerful therapeutic opportunities. Side sitting while going over trotting poles is not just fun — it gives the body and brain a very different challenge.

Side sitting changes the way movement travels through the pelvis and trunk. Instead of the body working symmetrically, it encourages weight shifting, lateral trunk control and activation of different muscles needed for balance and postural control. Children often have to make constant small adjustments through their tummy, hips and back as the horse moves beneath them.

Adding trotting poles creates changes in the horse’s stride and movement pattern. As the horse steps over the poles, there is increased lift and variation in movement, providing richer sensory and movement input. This can help with:

✨ Core strengthening
✨ Balance and postural reactions
✨ Weight shifting and body awareness
✨ Motor planning and coordination
✨ Midline awareness
✨ Sensory processing and attention
✨ Dynamic balance and protective responses

The horse’s movement naturally encourages active responses from the rider — often without them even realising how hard they are working. Therapy disguised as fun is often where the magic happens. 💚

25/05/2026

What is a Social Story? 🐴✨

For many children, knowing what to expect can make a huge difference. A social story uses photos, videos and simple information to gently introduce or remind children about an experience before it happens. It helps reduce anxiety, build familiarity and create a sense of predictability.

Today I’m sharing photos and a short video of our Hippotherapy environment to help prepare and support our clients before their session. Seeing the space, the horses and the surroundings beforehand can help children understand what “You have Hippotherapy today!” means.

Social stories can support:
🐴 Familiarity with the environment
🐴 Reduced anxiety and uncertainty
🐴 Building confidence
🐴 Preparing for routines and transitions
🐴 Creating excitement and anticipation

Every child is different, and preparation can make all the difference in helping them arrive feeling safe, comfortable and ready for their session.