ARC HIPPOTHERAPY
Testimonials
Note from RGU Physio Student, December 2024:
What Our Participant Families say...
Hippotherapy has been a godsend for my son. It has helped with his core skills, along with his social skills. My son also suffers with tightened hips and the broadness of the horse gives him that extra weekly stretch. The weekly sessions don't come quick enough!!
Susan B.
Hippotherapy is great for Dylan. It gives him a good stretch in his legs and has made such a difference in building up his core strength. He enjoys being on the horse and likes being high up. All the staff and volunteers are so lovely and great fun with Dylan.
Lisa W.
What Our Volunteers say...
As a volunteer with hippotherapy my role can vary depending what I choose to sign up for. Sometimes it involves getting the tailored tack on the horse ready for the child. Other times I may be warming up the horse in the arena before the session begins and then leading the horse through the 30 minute session.
The most enjoyable part is when I ‘side help’, as we interact with the child as they play fun games whilst riding and at the same time having physio! It's rewarding when you see a child enjoy their time on the horse, as well as become physically stronger, more balanced and even learn how to ride.
The big smiles at the end of the session makes it worthwhile!
Karen M.
I’m so glad to be part of the hippotherapy group that I joined just over two years ago. I had no previous experience of volunteering and working with children or adults with disabilities or indeed with horses. That was no problem though as it’s very well organised by lovely people and I have been given plenty of training.
Signing up for sessions on a Friday is very simple and I can choose the best times for me. My main role is an enjoyable one as a side helper for the young riders. This involves helping to keep the rider safe, providing a bit of encouragement and hands on to support their posture where necessary as directed by Valerie, the physiotherapist.
It feels good to help others and meet new people and I go home feeling chilled and contented. Finding a little bit of time for volunteering is very worthwhile.
Meriel M.
What Our Physio Students say...
The first week I attended hippotherapy I was uncertain about what to expect. However, in just five sessions, I discovered that it encompasses far more than I could have ever imagined.
The team involved in this program is truly exceptional. Val, the head physiotherapist, is very knowledgeable and dedicated to her patients and the learning of the student physiotherapists (STPTs). The rest of the team play a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. Their consistent communication, teamwork and collaboration maintain an inviting environment for STPTs, patients and their family.
Witnessing the patient progress each week and getting to know them has been incredible. It has also been a pleasure to engage with the parents of these children to gain their perspective and hear about the positive changes they’ve observed in their child.
Hilary M.
RGU
Student Physiotherapist
MSc Year 1
As a Masters student in Physiotherapy, having a placement opportunity at ARC Hippotherapy has been an incredible learning experience. It is such a unique facet of the profession and one that I knew nothing about beforehand.
Upon starting the placement, I was amazed at how significantly the kiddos benefit from this unique style of physiotherapy. I have a keen interest in Neuro Physiotherapy and have worked previously in the field, and I’ve never seen such significant effects of an intervention when it comes to postural control, strength, and coordination.
It is an amazing thing to witness and be a part of. Not to mention, seeing the smiling faces of the kiddos through the sessions and how much of a joy it is for them can't help but make your day.
Jeremy A.
RGU
Student Physiotherapist
MSc Year 1