Divinity Farm has joined together with Stone Ridge Farm in Haverhill at 490 Kenzo Street to bring to our community "Hippotherapy".  Barbara Smith, Occupational Therapist is now offering her professional services, along with Maria Hurley.  We are so pleased about this great team and the great horses and ponies, we know you will be too!

What is Hippotherapy? Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse; from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Specially trained physical, occupational and speech therapists use this medical treatment for clients who have movement dysfunction. Historically, the therapeutic benefits of the horse were recognized as early as 460 BC. The use of the horse as therapy evolved throughout Europe, the United States and Canada.

Hippotherapy uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to the client. Treatment takes place in a controlled environment where graded sensory input can elicit appropriate adaptive responses from the client. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.

Why the Horse?

The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the client are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. The variability of the horse's gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the client, then use this movement in combination with other clinical treatments to achieve desired results. Clients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable learning experience in a natural setting.

Physically, hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, mobility and function. Hippotherapy may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions for clients of all ages. Clients who may benefit from hippotherapy can have a variety of diagnoses: examples include Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Developmental Delay, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Autism and Learning or Language Disabilities. However, hippotherapy is not for every client. Each potential client must be evaluated on an individual basis by specially trained health professionals.

About Barbara Smith

Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L, certified Level 2 by American Hippotherapy Association and author of The Recycling Occupational Therapist.
Certified Level II in hippotherapy- occupational therapist Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L has over 30 years of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Her specialty is helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities improve motor, communication and cognitive skills. Barbara is also certified in sensory integration and the author of The Recycling Occupational Therapist-a guide to designing and fabricating therapeutic activities. Please visit her web site to learn more about developmental disabilities, sensory integration and hippotherapy at HORSEOT.com

Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L, certified Level 2 by American Hippotherapy Association and author of The Recycling Occupational Therapist & Still Giving Kisses.

Barbara & Lacrim'e

About Stone Ridge Farm & Judy Lawless

Divinity and Stone Ridge have come together to bring an awesome service that's extremely high in demand.  Stone Ridge's facility is a great place to experience Hippotherapy, as well as riding lessons, horse boarding, pony rides, equine education and more.  Judy Lawless, owner of Stone Ridge has over 40 years Equine Experience and Farm ownership.  Judy has extended the use of her facility and one of her ponies, Charmer to Divinity Farms Maria Hurley, Judy Lawless  Barbara Smith & Amanda Krickhan.  The result, a great team!  Thank you Judy!  More on Judy to come. 

Judy Lawless of Stone Ridge Farm, Haverhill, MA

Judy & Arabella

Maria desensitizing Charmer to tools and toys used during Hippotherapy, Amanda assists by holding and leading Charmer.