How can horseback riding integrate PT, OT, and speech therapy? What are its benefits for a child with Sanfilippo Syndrome? What should you look for in a hippotherapy provider? What is the difference between equine therapy, hippotherapy, and therapeutic riding?
Find out during the April 8 session of Sanfilippo Speak, the Foundation’s family support webinar series that provides Sanfilippo-specific insights around pivotal topics. Two seasoned hippotherapy providers will explore hippotherapy as a modality for individuals with Sanfilippo and discuss the differences between hippotherapy and therapeutic riding and their benefits.
Sanfilippo Speak is open to anyone who would find the information valuable. There is no cost to attend or registration required.
Use this Zoom link in the comments on April 8 at 12:30 p.m. ET:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87843962159
This Session’s Expert Speakers
Gabrielle (Gabby) Newton has been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for 12 years and has been incorporating Hippotherapy into treatments for the past 8 years with her pediatric clients at Carolina therapeutic Ranch near Fort Mill, South Carolina.. An avid equestrian for the past 30 years, she got an introduction into Hippotherapy and Adaptive Riding at a young age when she accompanied her brother to his sessions. As she got older, she volunteered and later in life came back as a riding instructor for Adaptive Riding at the same program. Her brother still attends the same program almost 25 years later! Outside of being a COTA and equestrian, Gabby enjoys working out, cooking for her family and planning/working on projects around the farm with her husband. She currently owns 5 horses, 4 are used in treatment sessions and 1 personal horse.
Kayla earned her Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Degree in 2012 and has treated a myriad of patients ranging from those with strictly orthopedic diagnoses, to those with severe neurological conditions ranging in ages from 2 months to 102 years of age.
In 2016, Kayla began her journey with the pediatric population and started building the current Hippotherapy program with Gabby the following year. Aside from a few pony rides as a child, Kayla did not grow up around horses like Gabby did, but was thrilled to be part of a treatment approach that incorporated these amazing animals.
In July 2017, Kayla was introduced to her sweet friend with Sanfilippo (Ms. K) when she began receiving physical therapy services at a clinic. Kayla will never forget those high-energy days of non-stop running, and precious smiles. Since then, Kayla has worked with Ms. K on a near weekly basis and currently sees her twice a week exclusively at the Ranch. Kayla describes working with her as an absolute privilege.
Recording Available Afterward
A recording of the webinar will be available on the Sanfilippo Speak page of the Foundation’s website afterward for on-demand access.