Hippotherapy Simulator (Equine-Movement Neuromotor Rehabilitation)

The device is a motorised seat, shaped like a saddle, that moves in the same complex, rolling way as a horse's back during walking. Unlike a simple rocking chair, it reproduces movement in three dimensions, forward and back, side to side, and up and down, which is what makes the effect so close to real riding. The speed, rhythm and pattern of movement can all be adjusted, so the therapist can start very gently and gradually increase the challenge. Because it is indoors and fully controlled, there is no weather, no animal to manage and no risk of being thrown, which makes the therapy accessible to many people, including young children.

When the seat moves, it gently and constantly shifts the patient's pelvis, just as a real horse would. The body responds automatically: the trunk and core muscles work to keep the patient upright, and the balance reflexes are triggered over and over. This repeated, rhythmic input also stimulates the body's sensing systems, the vestibular system that detects head movement and the proprioceptive system that senses where the body is in space, which helps the brain coordinate posture and movement more smoothly. Because the movement is natural and enjoyable, the patient relaxes and takes part actively, and the therapist adjusts the settings throughout to match the goals of the session.

The simulator is used as a supportive therapy for a wide range of conditions that affect balance, posture and movement. It is commonly used in children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome, and in adults recovering from stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. It suits people who would benefit from the movement of riding but who could not safely manage a real horse, and those who respond well to rhythmic, enjoyable therapy. A specialist assesses each person and decides whether it fits their condition, goals and stage of rehabilitation.

The main benefits are better balance, posture, trunk control and coordination, along with improvements in muscle tone and walking in many patients. Because the therapy feels pleasant and natural, people often stay relaxed and motivated, which encourages them to take part fully and keep coming back. It is safe and low-risk, with the patient supported and supervised at all times, and it can be used by people who cannot exercise in more demanding ways. The simulator is usually one part of a wider rehabilitation programme. Most people attend a series of sessions, and the therapist sets personal goals and adjusts the difficulty as control improves.