Hippotherapy
Selah Meadows
Hippotherapy is an intervention used by a physical therapist, recreational therapist, occupational therapist, or speech and language pathologist. The horse's movement affects a rider's posture, balance, coordination, strength, and sensorimotor systems. It is thought that the warmth and shape of the horse and its rhythmic, three-dimensional movement, along with the rider's interactions with the horse and responses to the horse's movement, can improve the rider's flexibility, posture, balance, and mobility. These therapy sessions can also include improvements in speech as well. Learning to use verbal cues for the horse and speak with the therapist is key to practicing speech.
Selah Meadows is the home of Toby, Thunder, Sandy, Liberty, and Moana. When therapy goals and a treatment plan are created, each horse’s body type, gait, character, and movement are considered before selecting the horse to help with therapy. Each horse can be rented and used along with Johni, a horse leader and sidewalker, to enhance each client's therapy. Each horse is guaranteed to enrich the lives of any rider that comes their way.
MeetLiberty (red halter – left) is the newest addition to the barn. Falling under the category of work pony, this halflinger mare arrived on the farm in August of 2021 and has been caught ducking under fence gates and being mischievous with the other horses. She is not yet a fan of the trail but does excellent with young kids on her back. She is very patient and loves attention of any kind. Her sensitivity to children has earned her a place here on the farm.
Meet Sandy, a lovely 23-year-old mare who may be a quarter horse/Tennessee Walker mix, displaying a beautiful palomino coat. Our search for new additions prioritized horses with a gentle disposition around children, and when we saw her interacting with her previous owner's kids, we knew she was the perfect fit for our barn. Her tender eyes sealed the deal. She's swift but gentle and kind, standing her ground among the other horses when needed. She thrives on affection and responds well to praise, with a heart full of generosity.
Meet Thunder, a five-year-old quarter horse and Buck's half-brother who joined Selah Meadows 12 years ago. His arrival was rocky as he suffered a leg fracture due to a run-in with our assertive pony, Toby. Remarkably, Thunder recovered during six months of stall rest, and this experience transformed him from a spirited stallion into a gentler horse.
It took Thunder eight years to fully embrace teamwork in riding. However, his attitude changed when a newborn baby girl arrived on the farm. Thunder fell in love with her and became very protective of "his girl," showing a deep sensitivity towards children.
Meet Toby, who has called Selah Meadows home for an impressive 24 years. Known by nicknames like "Houdini" for his escape artist skills and "Napoleon" due to his small but feisty demeanor, we believe he's a halflinger/Welsh cross.
.Food is Toby's passion, but diabetes has forced him onto a strict hay diet despite his love for grazing. He adores his riders and happily accepts treats whenever they're offered.
