Our instructor - Mr. Salih - had been trained in the Uk in Hippotherapy during his military time and he practised for several years hippotherapy in the military.

Since 2007 we made about 2000 sessions of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic riding mainly in cooperation with the dolphintherapy center in Marmaris.

The peaceful rural environement and the beatiful nature creates a special atmoshere and gives positive stimulation for the therapy. We have a covered riding yard so also in the high season we can practise the therapy in the morning and later afternoon hours. The steady breeze from the seaside makes our garden a haven from the busy tourisic Marmaris.

 

How does Hippotherapy work?

Hippotherapy is applied to patients with mental and physical disabilities. In Hippo therapy we have specially trained horses for physiotherapy. In this form of physiotherapy the horse is used as a medium to transmit the movement impulses to the pelvis of the patient.
The patient sits on the horse at a walking pace. The third category of therapeutic riding is riding as sport for disabled persons. Hippotherapy is fundamental to therapeutic riding.

Hippotherapy can be of extreme importance to the whole therapy. It is supportive and complementary to Physiotherapy, Psychotherapy, Logo therapy as also to Dolphintherapy.
The Effects of Hippotherapy:At a walking pace the horse transmits about 110 impulses per minute – a unique potential for dynamic physiotherapy in motion. These vibrations transmitted to the patient through the back of the horse provide an up and down, a backwards and forwards and a right/left movement.

These vibrations are at first absorbed by the pelvis and provide an intensive training of the torso muscles which in turn lead to an improved posture. An improved posture is very important for all patients with neurological illnesses which limit movement – it is also very important for patients who cannot walk, the torso training preserves independence eg. in a wheelchair.
Regulates the muscle strain Tones-up slack muscles Spastic muscles are loosened and relaxed Stretches short muscles Prevents contracture Activates specific torso reactions Improves torso control and posture Teaches deportment and balance Improves posture of the head leading to an improvement in saliva production, speaking and eating behaviour Improves perception.
In addition to the above, one must not underestimate the whole effect of Hippo therapy – not only the body but also the spirit and psyche are addressed. The horse gives the patient a new zest for life, it raises self-respect and trains contact behaviour and motivation.
Indications and Contra-indications of Hippotherapy

Indications and Aims are discussed with the Therapy Centre before the therapy begins. The doctors and teams supervise and control the therapy in collaboration with the therapy centre. The course of the therapy is also regularly checked by the doctor assigned to the patient.

 

  • Neurological Illnesses
  • ÍCP-Infantile Cerebra paresis
  • CP-Cerebral paresis
  • Post cranial/brain trauma
  • MS–Multiple Sclerosis
  • Paraplegic symptoms
  • Dystonia
  • Central hypotonia
  • Post stroke conditions
  • Paraplegia
  • Crooked neck
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Ataxia
  • MCP–Minimal Cerebral Paresis
  • MCD–Minimal Cerebral Dysfunction
  • Morbus Parkinson
  • Orthopaedic illnesses/disabilities
  • Scoliosis
  • Hip displasia
  • Weak posture
  • Spinal problems
  • Certain psychiatric illnesses
Furthermore there is the remedial pedagogic riding/equestrian vaulting that can be prescribed for the following illnesses:
  • Patients with Down syndrome
  • MCD–Minimal Cerebral Dysfunction
  • Body perception disorders
  • Sensitivity disorders
The Illnesses listed above for Hippo therapy are examples. If any questions should arise, please consult us or your doctor.
 
Dörtnal Ranch - An Alternative Way to Visit Turkey - phone:oo90-(0)252-4666431 , GSM : 0090 (0) 536 458 5335 , e-mail: feli@dortnal.com