About Us
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a term that refers to the use of equine movement as a treatment strategy by Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and SpeechâLanguage Pathologists to address functional limitations in clients with neuromotor dysfunction. This treatment strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.
How Can Hikewood Help
Hikewood can be incorporated into a treatment program to address:
- Abnormal muscle tone or reflexes
- Impaired sensorimotor function
- Impaired balance or coordination
- Poor postural control or asymmetry
- Impaired communication
- Impaired mobility
Why Hippotherapy?
The natural gait of the horse most resembles that of a humans creating a dynamic, three-dimensional movement that cannot be replicated in the clinical setting. This movement is transferred though the client producing a combination of sensory, motor and neurological input used to address a wide variety of funcational impairments as a result of many different diagnoses.
Our Services
1:1 Occupational Therapy
We offer private 1:1 Occupational Therapy sessions using Hippotherapy as our primary treatment strategy. The session includes 30 minutes of mounted activity and can be customized to an individualized treatment program.
Group Programs
We offer several programs incorporating Hipotherapy and equine assisted therapy. These are offered as group programs and operate for six weeks throughout the season.
Volunteer Opportunities
Hikewood highly values its dedicated volunteers. We have many volunteer opportunities ranging from stable maintenance to horse handler and sidewalker and welcome many individuals ranging in age and functional ability. Please inquire for opportunities and partners
Our Team
Lindsay Hikele, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Lindsay is the Director and Founder of Hikewood Therapy Services established in 2012 and is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. Lindsay has a broad scope of practice ranging from paediatrics to geriatrics with varying individual needs, but her specialization is with the treatment technique of Hippotherapy in which she passionately continues to develop her knowledge and skill through accredited HPOT courses.
Shanlee Gray, OTA
Shanlee joined Hikewood in 2015 as a volunteer with an interest in paediatrics and in the unique treatment technique of Hippotherapy within OT. She graduated from the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant program at Georgian College and was hired on at Hikewood as an OTA in which she has been an invaluable team member with her knowledge and experience in paediatrics.
Toad - Thor - Teeje
These three team members are the miracle workers in true form:
Toad, a 10 year old mare who wears her heart on her sleeve, loves attention and to work as a team with her people.
Thor, a 13 year old gentle giant, is basically a giant lap dog with a heart of gold.
Teeje, a three year old prodigy and newest member at Hikewood, will be joining operations in 2019.