Picture of three female Physicians and two male Physicians.

Hippotherapy Services

Marshall Browning Therapy Center offers Hippotherapy services in partnership with W Ranch Equine Escape, Inc. to adults and children 6 years and over.

Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a licensed therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input. The sessions are a means towards a foundation to establish neurological function and sensory perception. As the horse moves, patients integrate postural reflexes, develop balance and equilibrium reactions, normalize muscle tone, and helps increase strength of trunk and extremities. The horse's movement and the horse itself provide sensory stimulation and help foster an emotional connection that promotes language, focus and motivation.

The next Hippotherapy session will begin on March 5 and continue through April 27. Future sessions include May 7 through June 29, July 9 through August 31, and September 10 through November 9.

Participants are required to have a physician's order for Occupational Therapy that states that the participant is physically able to participate in an equine-assisted activity. Participants will then contact Occupational Therapy at Marshall Browning Hospital at 618-542-1099 to schedule an evaluation prior to the March 5 start date. Occupational Therapy services are covered by most private insurance providers and the Illinois Department of Public Aid.

Interested participants should contact Marshall Browning Therapy Center as soon as possible. Space in this program is limited.