In 2009 I started working at The McIntyre Centre as a Therapeutic Riding Coach. Prior to this my background was in Equine Science, so this was the first time I had worked extensively with children with a disability, including those with DCC. Very quickly, I was struck by the determination, gratitude and resilience of the children I was working with. I was also extremely inspired by the impact that therapeutic riding appeared to be having on these children. Outcomes appeared to include a combination of physical, social emotional and psychological domains. For example, I began working with a child with a DCC whose parents reported that riding was the most successful form of treatment available for their daughter to assist her in maintaining and developing her core strength, sitting balance and head control. While numerous other parents reported the increase in self-­‐esteem and self-­‐confidence they had seen develop in their child since commencing the program.

I began to become increasingly interested in maximising the therapeutic benefits available in this area and it was at this time that I began to learn about Hippotherapy.  Hippotherapy is a therapeutic tool that utilizes the multi-­‐dimensional properties of the horse’s movement for specific therapeutic goals. Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the horse" (from the Greek word, “hippos" meaning horse) and is practiced in Australia by physical and occupational therapists, as well as speech and language pathologists.

I became so inspired and passionate about this area that I decided to return to study a Graduate Masters in Occupational Therapy (OT). During my OT career I have continued to strengthen my passion for working with children with disabilities and their families. I have also seen the amazing outcomes that client centred, evidence based, OT intervention can achieve and am currently working as an OT for the Department of Education and Training (DET) in Queensland. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to contribute to students’ lives by enabling access and participation to the learning environment. Evidence based, timely and holistic interventions truly can make the world of difference in the lives of children with a disability.

In addition to my work for DET, I run a small Hippotherapy program at the McIntyre Centre. In my experience, Hippotherapy can have certain benefits over more traditional methods of therapeutic intervention for some children. Firstly, the environment is highly motivating and enjoyable for the child, meaning that an increased level of engagement is often seen. Secondly, the unique nature of the horse’s movement can elicit neuro-­‐muscular and vestibular responses that are extremely difficult to replicate in a clinical setting.

I am intensely passionate in my belief that every child is an individual and therefore their therapeutic intervention must be specific to their goals and needs. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach! A range of evidence based therapeutic interventions should be available to all families. Ultimately, this will allow each child to reach his/her full potential and live a happy and fulfilling life as an individual.

Nina Delzoppo 2016