What are the definitions of and reasons for a need to differentiate between the following terms hippotherapy- EEAT- therapeutic riding- adaptive riding lessons- equine and animal assisted therapy?

Answer 1

In a 2008 survey conducted by students at Dyouville College, it was found that many health-service professionals did not know the difference between therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. They were not aware of changes in terminology to EAA and EAT.

A lot has changed since the beginning of therapeutic riding in the United States. This industry has grown more skilled, more specialized and is impacted by a variety of other industries (insurance, media, medical). Describing professional services is a new horizon that must meet the needs of participants, donors and sponsors and others such as volunteers, parents and the public.

The reason to clearly define these terms and services is enhanced professionalism for the industry, protection to the consumers of our services and protection from allegations of fraud and liability issues.

NARHA currently embraces the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) terminology.

EAAT: This term covers both equine assisted activities and therapy. This is an inclusive term that is used when both activities and therapy are being discussed. EAAT should only be used when both EAA and EAT are included. If EAA or EAT is more descriptive, that term should be used.

Equine Assisted Activities: Equine assisted activities are those services provided by a trained professional focusing on recreational, leisure, sport or education. Examples of Equine Assisted Activities are: therapeutic riding, therapeutic driving, vaulting and equine facilitated learning. These activities are guided by an educational or learning model. Skills are taught to riders, vaulters and students.

Equine Assisted Therapy: is treatment that incorporates equine activities and/or the equine environment. Rehabilitative goals are related to the patient's needs and the medical professional's standards of practice. Examples include hippotherapy and equine assisted psychotherapy.

Hippotherapy in the United States is a medical treatment provided by speech language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists utilizing the movement of the horse.

Therapeutic riding is a riding lesson adapted for persons with disabilities and taught by a riding instructor with specialized training in working with participants with special needs.

Adaptive riding lesson is another term that is gaining in popularity because it avoids some of the confusion that the term therapeutic riding engenders. Adaptive sports are well known in the community of those with disabilities and riding can fall into this category. There are a number of benefits associated with adaptive sports and physical activity that also apply to adaptive riding.

Terminology in the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies field is evolving in the United States and will continue to change. International definitions vary according to country and educational requirements in each specialty area. Understanding who/credentials is providing the service and what the goals are goes a long way in defining the type of service. Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies both have benefits to participants and provide a valuable and rewarding experience for participants, providers, volunteers, donors and the community at large.