Occupational Therapy
Experiential, emobodied therapy services with compassionate and professional staff.
Occupational therapy at the farm brings meaningful treatment into every session. The opportunity provided by movement of the horse and the rich sensory environment of the farm is unmatched in clinic or classroom settings. When providing hippotherapy (horse = hippo) in session, our clinicians use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning to direct the movement of the horse as a therapy treatment tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes.
Sessions begin as soon as the individual arrives to meet their team: a licensed occupational therapy provider, therapy aide, horse handler – and horse! Occupational therapy sessions with hippotherapy include both mounted and groundwork activities to help with treatment goals. This might include grooming, farm chores or nature- based activities. All activities are graded to meet client needs for safety and learning.
Common skills areas addressed in occupational therapy at the farm include motor planning, coordination, mobility, emotional regulation, communication, respiration and sensory integration. Skill development leads to functional outcomes that include improved mobility, practiced social skills, success with self-care routines, self-advocacy and greater independence with daily activities at school, play, work and home. Every client is unique and therapy services at the farm are strength based, client directed, trauma informed and culturally sensitive.
How do I get started?
Occupational therapy services begin with an on-site evaluation to determine whether equine-assisted therapy is an appropriate fit for each individual. While occupational therapy incorporating hippotherapy can be highly impactful, it may not be suitable for everyone. We ask that all prospective clients complete the pre-screen form on our website as a first step to ensure alignment with program guidelines. Sessions are typically scheduled weekly in 8–12 week blocks, allowing clients to work toward meaningful, short-term goals. Families are welcome to observe sessions from a designated outdoor area or, during indoor sessions, from the viewing space within our temperature-controlled therapy arena.
Session Fees
Clinical Evaluation: $225
Regular Private Session: $225/hr
Groundwork Group: $180/hr
HYH is an out-of-network provider and does not bill insurance companies directly. We are able to provide a superbill (a detailed receipt for services that includes a clinical diagnosis) for you upon payment in full to self-submit to your insurance company if you choose.
We are committed to making our services accessible and offer a structured sliding fee scale based on individual need. We also accept approved waiver funding, with invoices provided to both the client and the waiver agency for coordination. If you plan to use waiver funds, we recommend obtaining approval from your case manager prior to beginning services to ensure a smooth start.
How do I get started?
We ask that all prospective clients complete the pre-screen form on our website as a first step to ensure alignment with program guidelines.