SLU DPT Students Foal Around During Hippotherapy

SLU DPT Student Field Experience Spotlight - Hippotherapy

Students in the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy participate in offsite experiences to enhance their knowledge and skills in various specialty physical therapy practice areas.

The Pediatric Seminar class had the opportunity to meet and learn more about Equine Assisted Therapy, or Hippotherapy, during a visit to TREE House of Greater St. Louis. TREE includes PT, OT, and speech therapy staff.

The therapists analyze both the patients and horses for movement, posture, and gait to better match them as partners.  

The company runs camps and is always looking for more volunteers to help with these therapy sessions. 

At the end of the tour and presentation the students got the chance to ride the horses and practice the contact guard positions around the horse to protect the patient.