HIPPOTHERAPY
Incorporating Equine Movement as a Treatment Tool
EQUINE ASSISTED PHYSICAL THERAPY
Hippotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that utilizes the movement of a horse to address a range of physical challenges. Through the natural gait of the horse, these sessions help improve balance, strength, endurance, coordination, communication, and attention.
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Led by a licensed physical therapist, this program focuses on using equine movement to support functional outcomes in daily life, enabling individuals to more actively participate in family, school, and community activities. While riding skills aren't the primary focus, the therapist works with the horse's movements to enhance overall physical capabilities.
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Cynthe Slaybaugh, MS, PT
College: Pacific Union College, California, BS Biology/Chemistry
Graduate School: Pacific University, Oregon, MS Physical Therapy
American Hippotherapy Association training: Level I, and Level 2
Professional Memberships: PATH, APTA, AHA
My interest in horses started on the cattle ranch I grew up on in Northern California. About 15 years after becoming a Physical Therapist, I discovered the specialty area of PT incorporating hippotherapy and was thrilled to join my love of horses with my passion for physical therapy! I have been incorporating equine movement into my physical therapy practice for the past 10 years and feel it is one of the most amazing treatment tools I have to use. I have used it to treat veterans, children, and adults of all ages and many different diagnoses. I have a more traditional therapy office located inside The Valley Athletic Club where I see a diverse patient population for everything from rehabilitative exercise to aquatic-based therapy. Evaluations for PT incorporating equine movement/hippotherapy as a treatment tool are typically done at that office.
