Animal Science and Food Technology

The analysis provides information about the history of the treatment by horse-riding – hippotherapy, its positive effect on health of adults and children, especially patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Necessary requirements for the establishment of centers for therapeutic horse-riding have been examined. It is proposed to consider hippotherapy as a comprehensive multipurpose rehabilitation method for patients where a rehabilitation tool is a horse, horse riding and exercises. The positive outcomes of hippotherapy depend a lot on the correct selection of horses and the requirements to them (disposition, bodybuild type, exterior, endurance, etc.). The article considers the system of measures for  selection of horses intended for hippotherapy, and their training, taking into account animal psychology and interaction horse -patient-instructor-doctor. It is concluded that the mechanism of interaction “man-horse” should be thoroughly examined, and to maintain the health of the nation we should receive government financial assistance for hippotherapy development, rehabilitation centers and equestrian sport for disabled people.

hippotherapy, horse, horse riding treatment, rehabilitation centers, animal psychology, special training