American Hippotherapy Association- Colorado Gives

A nonprofit organization

The American Hippotherapy Association is a 501C3 Non-profit organization, which provides educational resources for occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech language pathology professionals who incorporate equines, equine movement and the equine environment in treatment.

Testimonials

Katie started therapy 1 year ago with only two words, "no" and "mommy". She now has a spoken and signed vocabulary of over 100 words and is using 3 word utterances. Incorporating equine movement has improved her motor planning for speech production, decreased her defensiveness to touch, and allowed her to experience success when communicating!

-AHA, Inc. Professional Member

"I attended the core connection and neuro connection courses because of the content being taught. I wanted to further my knowledge of what to look for in my clients when using equine movement as a treatment tool, as well as what changes could be occurring in their underlying neurological structures during treatment. I've also taken Level 1 and Level 2 - I've taken all AHA, Inc. courses because this is my dream job and I wanted to be knowledgeable and safe while working with my clients! I also know that I leave each course with new friends and more refined therapy skills. "

-Kara Johnson, CCC-SLP

A course attendee shares her most valuable take-a-way from the Level I course she attended: "I wanted to let you know that although every minute of the 4 day training was for me, extremely meaningful and valuable, the relationship between the pelvis of the horse and the human, stands out as the crux of hippotherapy. I've begun to share it, and will continue to share it with my horse handlers/ volunteers/ and parents, etc. as it really drives home how the horse transfers his movement to the client."

-MaryEllen Terpstra

"As a physical therapist on the AHA, Inc. Board of Directors, I see first-hand the benefits of using a horse in therapy to improve gross motor skills. In fact, several children in our practice have take their first steps after hippotherapy has been incorporated into their treatment plan."

- Lisa Harris, PT, HPCS

"As the Treasurer of AHA, Inc. I believe that educating therapists on appropriate and safe use of hippotherapy treatment strategies will ensure the best possible therapeutic outcomes for children and adults. In fact, Michael, a recent client of mine, started walking independently after 2 sessions even though his school physical therapist told his mom not to expect it for 6 to 8 months. Can I count on your support of AHA, Inc. to educate a therapist so he/she can provide this powerful treatment?"

-Susie Rehr, PT, HPCS

Mission

Our mission is to Improve lives by advancing education, best practices and resources for licensed healthcare professionals who incorporate horses in therapy.

Our vision is to have skilled therapy services that incorporates horses readily available to every person who has the potential to benefit.

Background Statement

The history of the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. is really one of dedication, commitment and determination on the part of many individuals. In the early 1980's, a number of therapists in the United States and Canada were involved in therapeutic riding and were merging their clinical skills with horses and clients by using a variety of techniques. Many of the therapists had attended some of the early Hippotherapy clinics, with some of the first presented by Barbara Glasow, PT. International therapeutic riding conferences spurred interest worldwide and particular attention was given to the Germans, who combined their centuries old tradition of refined horsemanship with specific medical applications.

Through the vision and dedication of Jean M. Tebay, MS, arrangements were made for 18 therapists from North American to go to Wilbad Klink in West Germany in 1987 for training in the German methods of classic Hippotherapy. From this core group, the National Hippotherapy Curriculum Committee evolved for the purpose of developing curriculum to educate therapists in North American in this specific medical model utilizing the horse's movement.

Soon the medical community at large realized the benefits of hippotherapy, and some insurance companies began to reimburse for Hippotherapy services. Increasing numbers of health professionals were requesting more education and training or were referring their clients for Hippotherapy treatment.

It became apparent that a national organization was needed to facilitate networking among therapists and to meet the need for therapist education, standards of practice and eventual certification. Thus, in March of 1992, the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. was formed. The initial Board of Directors was made up of individuals who, for the last decade, have worked tirelessly, traveled extensively and made a sacrifice of time and finances to see their vision for the future of Hippotherapy in American becomes a reality. Standards for becoming a registered therapist with AHA, Inc. and a set of standards for practice were completed in 1994. The American Hippotherapy Certification Board, the credentialing organization, was established in 1999, which was also the first year the exam was administered.

In 2003, AHA, Inc. a section of NARHA, became a separate 501(c) 3 organization known as the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. AHA, Inc. maintains an affiliated partnership with PATH International (formerly NARHA.) AHA, Inc. supports the PATH International standards and continues to be involved in teaching courses to Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathology Professionals, as well as Physical Therapy Assistants and Occupational Therapy Assistants, enabling these therapists to achieve PATH International Registered Therapists status and/or prepare them to sit for one of the AHCB exams.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

American Hippotherapy Association- Colorado Gives

other names

AHA, Inc.

Year Established

2003

Category

Education

Address

2537 Research Blvd., #203
Fort Collins, CO 80526

Service areas

Larimer County, CO, US

Phone

970-818-1322

Other

970-797-2350

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