PRESS RELEASE: DISABLED RIDING CENTRE PILOTS NEW PHYSIO SERVICE
We have started a new pilot scheme involving physiotherapy on horseback.
Hippotherapy is a specialised physiotherapy treatment which uses the movement of a horse to help children and adults gain improvements to their health and well being.
The Unicorn Centre has partnered with Chartered Physiotherapist and member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy Victoria Warburton to deliver this specialist service and two people are already benefitting.
Chris Cundall was the first to take advantage of this service. Chris (65 years) suffered a spinal injury in a work place accident and relies to a large extent on his wheelchair. After a month of hippotherapy sessions using specially trained Unicorn Centre horse Louie both he and Victoria are already seeing progress in his balance, co-ordination and core strength.
Chris said, “I used to ride in my younger days, so it has been challenging to change my mindset about sitting on a horse and not attempting to ride. I sit on a sheepskin instead of a saddle, and the movement and warmth from Louie’s back helps my body enormously. I’m beginning to put my trust in Victoria and Louie, so my balance and confidence are improving with each session.”
Former diploma student at the Unicorn Centre, Olivia Fairclough (34 years) is now a paraplegic after receiving a crush injury to her spine four years ago when the horse she was riding in Egypt fell on her. She has also started Hippotherapy riding Alfie with high expectations.
“It’s early days, I know,” she said, “but one day I hope I will be able to regain enough balance and strength to become a Paralympic rider. Having that goal spurs me on. I’m discovering that hippotherapy is a discreet form of physiotherapy, and it’s so good to be back on a horse again.”
Victoria commented, “Hippotherapy is not about learning to ride, but about using the horse as a tool to promote increased functional skills both on and off the horse which could positively impact on everyday life activities. The movement of the horse mimics the movements of a walking person and can be extremely beneficial for improving core strength, loosening tight joints and strengthening muscles. Chris and Olivia are making great progress.”
For more information about Hippotherapy, please contact the Unicorn Centre, telephone 01642 576222.