1. a form of physical therapy or rehabilitation that uses horseback riding and interaction with horses to improve motor skills, balance, and emotional well-being in patients with physical or developmental disabilities.
Usage: medical/therapeutic context; also called equine therapy in some contexts

Examples

• The rehabilitation center offers hippotherapy sessions for children with cerebral palsy.
• Hippotherapy has been shown to improve balance and coordination in patients recovering from spinal injuries.
• She enrolled in a hippotherapy program to help manage her anxiety and build confidence.
• The therapist uses hippotherapy to help autistic children develop social skills and motor control.
• Research supports the effectiveness of hippotherapy for stroke recovery and muscle strengthening.