Collection: Equine Incorporated Occupational Therapy

Jindarra Park is also home to Open Gaits Occupational Therapy Services.

Open Gaits is run by Occupational Therapist Jo Honeychurch, who provides occupational therapy services to children and adults incorporating Hippotherapy as a treatment tool.

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech therapy tool that utilizes the natural gait and movement of a horse to provide motor, and sensory input to promote functional outcomes. The term hippotherapy roughly translates to "treatment with the help of the horse" and originates from the Greek word “hippos” meaning horse (or equine).

During the therapy session, a horse handler controls the horse as the client is positioned on the horse, supported by side walkers and the therapist.   The therapist directs and assists the client in performing various movements, positions and different activities to promote and practice functional skills to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes. Hippotherapy is not a riding lesson and at no time does the client personally direct the horse.

Hippotherapy is suitable for people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, traumatic injury such as stroke, autism spectrum disorder and general movement disorder.

EVE and Open Gaits will also be partnering to provide inclusive and adaptive programs in the future to support riders with disabilities to enjoy equine partnered activities in the beautiful Jindarra Park environment.

Contact Jo on 0408 171 000 to find out more and book a session today.