Hippo Foundation
The Hippo Foundation: Promoting Hippotherapy for Children
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a unique rehabilitation strategy that relies on the three-dimensional movement of the horse. This movement closely mimics the human walking gait and has proved to be incredibly calming and therapeutic. Hippotherapy, equine-assisted therapy, and equitherapy all use this method to support individuals, especially children, in their physical and emotional development. The positive impacts of these therapies are significant and well-documented.
Our Mission
Founded in 2010, the Hippo Foundation was created with a mission to promote hippotherapy—a little-known rehabilitation strategy in Quebec. The foundation is dedicated to making high-quality hippotherapy services financially accessible to children. Since its inception, the Hippo Foundation has expanded its range of eligible services, always focusing on improving accessibility and maintaining the highest standards of care.
Who Can Benefit?
Equine-assisted therapy is suitable for a wide range of people, including children from the age of two, teenagers, adults, and the elderly, particularly those experiencing a loss of autonomy due to various conditions. The most common diagnoses among participants include:
- Cerebral Motor Disability (CMD) or cerebral palsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Global Developmental Delay
- Intellectual Disability
- Down syndrome (Trisomy)
- Motor dyspraxia
Remarkable Benefits
The physical and mental benefits of therapies involving horses are considerable. They target the person as a whole, with improvements in trunk and head control, standing posture, balance, coordination, body awareness, flexibility, leg strength, range of movement, and overall muscle strength. International research underscores the positive effects of these therapies, especially for pediatric clients.
Supporting Hippo Foundation
Supporting the Hippo Foundation means supporting the well-being and autonomy of children. Donations directly impact the lives of countless children, helping them progress and gain confidence and independence. Every act of generosity makes a difference!
Get Involved
From participating in fundraising events to making direct donations, there are many ways to contribute. Every little bit helps build brighter futures for children in need of hippotherapy and equine-assisted therapy.
Join us in our mission to make hippotherapy accessible and effective for all who need it!