IPPOTHERAPY - Terminology - Official Publication of the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.
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SUMMER
AHA, INC. 2019
IPPOTHERAPY
Official Publication of the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.
Terminology
ARE YOU PUTTING YOURSELF MARKETING YOUR PRACTICE:
AT RISK? TERMINOLOGY DOS AND DON'TS
TERMINOLOGY AROUND THE WORLD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE RECAP
Mission
Improve lives by advancing education, best practices, and resources for
licensed healthcare professionals who incorporate horses in therapy.
Vision
To have skilled therapy services that incorporate horses readily available
to every person who has the potential to benefit.
Core Values
INTEGRITY
Commitment to the highest standards of personal, ethical, and professional behavior.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Commitment to stewardship, transparency, and fiduciary responsibility.
INNOVATION
Promoting advances in treatment and research.
EXCELLENCE
Promoting best practices and the highest caliber of education and resources.
COLLABORATION
Networking and partnering with organizations with similar missions and values.
AHA, Inc. Life Members
Our newest life members are noted in bold.
BUSINESSES Deborah Silkwood-Sherer, dhs, pt, hpcs Lori Garone, pt, hpcs
Left Coast Mobility Systems Dr Roy Aldridge, pt, edd Margie Benge, otr/l, hpcs
Speech Language Pathology E. Jeanni Bonine, otr/l, hpcs Meredith Bazaar, ma, ccc-slp, hpcs
in Motion, PLLC Elizabeth Haartz, pt (ret) Nancy McGibbon, pt, hpcs
Heather Ajzenman, otd, otr/l Patricia Sayler
Jacqueline Tiley Rebecca Cook, otr, hpcs
INDIVIDUALS Jane Burrows, pt, hpcs Renee Casady, pt, hpcs
Anne Spicer, cota/l Jane Fitzpatrick, pt Robby Devery, ot
Anthony Clark Janet Weisberg, ms, otr/l, hpcs Ruth Dismuke-Blakely, ms/ccc-slp, hpcs
Barbara Heine, pt, hpcs* Jann Goodman, pt, hpcs Sandra McClosky, pt, hpcs*
Barbara Glasow, pt, hpcs* Joann Benjamin, pt, hpcs Sara Gruenwald
Barbara Davis, pt Judith Moore Allen, pt, dpt, hpcs Sarah Pictor, pt, dpt, pcs
Beth Stamp, pt Julia Foster, slp Susan Graunke
Bobbi Culter, pt Kathryn Splinter-Watkins, otr/l, hpcs Susan Rehr, pt, hpcs
Bonnie Cunningham, ma, pt, hpcs Kellie Kelley, otr Tim L. Shurtleff, ma, otd, otr/l
Christine Swan, ms, pt, hpcs Lauren Janusz, mot, otr/l, hpcs Tina Rocco, ma, ccc-slp, hpcs
Cindy McCarty, ma, ccc-slp Laurie Landy, ot Tina Webb, ot
Cynthia Thomas, pt, hpcs Lisa Harris, msvs, pt, hpcs Vicki Naughler, pt
David Bates Lisa Stajduhar, pt Victoria Surr
To learn about becoming an AHA, Inc. Lifetime Member†
please contact Karen M. Renshaw at (970) 818-1322 or email krenshaw@theahainc.org.
*Deceased. †Payment plan options are available.
In This Issue
Terminology
Features 31 Are You Putting Yourself Connection
At Risk?
15 Equine Series: 38 2019 AHA, Inc. International
Finding Common Ground Conference Recap
48 TherapyShare:
An Evidence-Based Holistic
Intervention Approach
50 Yoder Says...
Research Official Business
18 Understanding ACHB 33 Terminology in Research & Departments
and Reimbursement
20 Terminology Around the World 4 Letter From the President
5 Letter From the
Executive Director
5 Letter From the Editor
6 AHA, Inc. Donors
24 Marketing Your Practice: 34 Research Critique 8 Herd the Latest From
AHA, Inc.?
Terminology Dos and Don’ts
27 Why Words Matter: Results of 10 AHA, Inc. Committee
a Terminology Survey Updates
13 AHA, Inc. Market Research
Results: 2018 Year in Review
37 The Impact of Terminology
and Clarity in Research
FRONT COVER PHOTO BACK COVER PHOTO
Susie Rehr Temple Grandin Equine Center
Special Strides Colorado State University
Monroe Twp, NJ Fort Collins, CO
Summer 2019 ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ AHA, Inc. │ 3
AHA,INc.
I Inside HIPPOTHERAPY Magazine
HJiiPOTHERAPY
Terminology AHA, Inc.
2537 Research Blvd., #203
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Phone: (970) 818-1322
Fax: (877) 700-3498
Letter From The President americanhippotherapyassociation.org
Executive Editor
DEAR READERS, Susie Rehr, pt, hpcs
srehr@specialstrides.com
It was so wonderful to spend time speaking with
many of you at the AHA, Inc. International Conference Managing Editor
in Lexington, Kentucky! For those of you who attended, I Nicole Klemas, els
magazine@theahainc.org
hope that you enjoyed the conference as much as I did. If
you were not able to attend, you can read about some of Contributing Editors
the conference highlights in this issue. Janet Weisberg, ms, otr/l, hpcs
This issue of HIPPOTHERAPY Magazine is an important one, as we discuss janet@holdyourhorses.org
both our conference theme of staying “On the Right Track” and topics surrounding
terminology. The words we use and how we use them have long had an impact Deborah Silkwood-Sherer, dhs, pt, hpcs
on therapists and clients. Terminology affects research, reimbursement, and silkw1d@cmich.edu
accessibility of services. AHA, Inc. is participating in terminology work with multiple Featured Columnist:
organizations in an effort being led by PATH, Intl. There will be surveys and more Yoder, The Therapy Pony
information to follow, and it is critical that AHA, Inc. members make their voices
heard in the surveys. Please be on the lookout for updates. Executive Director & Advertising
As AHA, Inc. participates in this terminology work, I find it important to point Karen Renshaw
out to AHA, Inc. members that the challenges surrounding terminology actually (970) 818-1322
go far beyond the words that we use and how we use them. Subtle messages in krenshaw@theahainc.org
marketing, practice structure, billing for your services, documentation, and choosing
Design & Production
to include horses in treatment can all have significant implications. Sizzle Design Studio
It is my hope that this issue of HIPPOTHERAPY Magazine will be thought- Sddita Fradette Blackburn
provoking and will inspire you to raise the bar and elevate professionalism in your sddita@sizzledesignstudio.com
practice. I hope it will get you thinking about your practice structure, your continuing
Layton Printing and Mailing
education surrounding hippotherapy, how you market your services, and the role
La Verne, CA
of hippotherapy as a tool in your occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-
language pathology practice. © 2018 by AHA, Inc. HIPPOTHERAPY.
A few exciting things to share: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reprinted without written permission from the
1. We had three board members complete their terms in April 2019. Thank you publisher. American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.
Nathan Harms, Heather Ajzenman, and Lisa Harris for your exceptional service to and HIPPOTHERAPY assume no responsibility for
claims given in unsolicited materials, advertisements or
AHA, Inc. As they complete their terms, we are excited to announce new two new products that appear in this publication.
board members: welcome, Melanie Dominko-Richards and Mary Helene Chaplin! The American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. (AHA,
2. In addition, we have officially welcomed Karen Renshaw as our new Executive Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which
provides educational resources and continuing
Director. She graciously served as interim executive director for approximately education courses for occupational therapy, physical
one year and was officially hired for the position in March 2019. therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals
who incorporate equines, equine movement, and the
3. Last, but certainly not least, earlier this year AHA, Inc. was approved as a continuing equine environment in treatment.
education provider for the American Occupational Therapy Association and the AHA, Inc. has been a recognized non-profit since
American Speech-Language Hearing Association. In addition, AHA, Inc. courses 2003 and is incorporated in Florida operating out of
have been approved by many state physical therapy associations. Colorado. Membership in AHA, Inc. is open to any
practicing occupational, physical, or speech therapist.
To close, it is with the utmost gratitude that I acknowledge the work and efforts Our Professional membership classification is $95 for
US members and $115 for international members.
of those who serve on the staff, Board of Directors, faculty, and our volunteer
Additional membership classifications can be found on
committees. These individuals continue to push the organization forward and I am the AHA, Inc. website or by calling the office.
very grateful!
----
HIPPOTHERAPY is available in large print by request.
No portion of this publication may be reproduced
by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic
process without written permission from AHA, Inc.
/.,,--- Unsolicited editorial material is welcome although
AHA, Inc. is not responsible for the return of such
materials. Opinions expressed in the advertisements
TINA M. ROCCO, MA, CCC-SLP, HPCS, AHA, Inc. President, BOD or editorials appearing in HIPPOTHERAPY are not
necessarily those of AHA, Inc.
4 │ AHA, Inc. ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ Summer 2019
Letter From The
Executive Director
DEAR AHA, INC. MEMBERS,
Wow, what a great conference! It was so wonderful to meet so many
of you! I especially want to thank each and every one who offered such a
warm welcome to me as the new Executive Director of AHA, Inc. I have
been with you in an interim position for the past year, but at the February
2019 Board meeting I was officially offered the position. I accepted with an
official start date of March 1. On our path forward together, I have some
great plans for the organization and the membership.
I would really like to see more membership involvement in our committees and task forces.
I will be working with the Board Development Committee and Lauren Janusz as we look at the
tasks and commitments required for each of our committees. We will also be working to update the
2019 – 2020 organizational philosophy for our committees. Some of this discussion will including updating the
AHA, Inc. Bylaws to stay current with the nonprofit community and relevant to the membership.
Board of Directors Knowing this now, don’t be surprised if I call on you to share your expertise and help improve our
organization. Please say “yes” when I come calling, and I will promise to keep your involvement focused
and respectful of your time. I also invite you to contact me if you see an area within our organizational
structure that you would like to become involved in or would like to learn more about this year.
President What is next on my “To Do” list? I’ll be looking at operations within the office to make us more
Tina M. Rocco, ma, ccc-slp, hpcs effective and responsive to the membership. I’ve heard some recent suggestions, including making your
Islandia, NY membership information more accessible to you for easier updates, dues payments, and renewals. We
tinarocco@speechinmotion.com are working on that, as well as looking at tools to make course registration more efficient. Keep watching
the website for further details and progress.
In closing, I have a request for you. As we continue to put out our weekly e-newsletter, we are
First Vice President always looking for new information to share with fellow members. You know how the e-newsletter
Lauren Janusz, mot, otr/l, hpcs works: we are looking for brief, concise bits of information or new tips to share. The information should
Wilmington, Delaware be factual and beneficial to the general membership. Such updates might also appear in the “Herd the
lauren.janusz@yahoo.com Latest?” column of the next magazine issue.
Thank you again for your continued support of AHA, Inc. and for all of your contributions to the
organization, be they time or financial.
Second Vice President
Nina Ekholm Fry, mssc KAREN RENSHAW, AHA, Inc. Executive Director
Denver, CO
Nina.Ekholm-Fry@du.edu
Treasurer Letter From The Editor
Dale Brown, cpa
Pleasant, CA DEAR MEMBERS,
daleb04@gmail.com I started using the phrase “Clarity of Conversation” in the first
Insurance Task Force presentation at the 2013 AHA, Inc. International
Secretary Conference. It was a critical concept at that moment, and I think it is
even more so today. Terminology represents a crucial element in all
Sarah-Michelle Senécal, ot reg (mb), mot our conversations: individual practices, intra-organizational, inter-
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada organizational, and all formal and informal conversations. I recently was
sarah-michelle.senecal@dsfm.mb.ca talking to someone about their practice when she told me “I do hippo.” As I
senecal.sarahmichelle@gmail.com questioned her, she became indignant and assured me she would “never use
those words to speak with other people.” Yet, she told me those words quite
readily. Please, I implore you to remember the following phrases: “words have meanings,” “you cannot take back
Education Chair a word,” “you only have one chance to make a first impression.”
Lori Garone, ma, pt, hpcs This issue of HIPPOTHERAPY Magazine discusses terminology from many angles: research, inter-
Virginia Beach, VA organizational communication, equine training, client and family interactions, and marketing. Several years
ago, Wendy Wood, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA brought to the forefront the realization that much of the research
lgarone@theahainc.org
focused on the use of hippotherapy in practice by physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language
pathology professionals fails to name the type of professional services provided, continuing the illusion of a
“fourth therapy.” I wish I could report that there has been a significant correction in this trend, but I am not sure
Board Members at Large that our Research Committee would stand behind that statement. JoAnn Benjamin is playing a critical role in the
commitment to foster inter-organizational clarity of conversation, and in this issue we will get a sneak peek at
Robin Langerhans, pt, dpt the upcoming terminology summit. Jane Burrows continues her series on the equine, however, in this issue her
focus shifts to terminology and how as therapists it is crucial that we use consistent terminology with our equine
Chesterfield, VA trainers to provide the functional outcome of the therapist’s “purposeful manipulation of equine movement.”
robin.langerhans@gmail.com Terminology is even confusing intra-organizationally, as Carol Huegel, PT, HPCS clarifies the role of AHCB and
the part that it plays in certifying therapists through rigorous examinations.
Terminology continued to flow through the voices of all the speakers at conference, elucidating the critical
Mary Helene Chaplin, pt, hpcs elements of practice and helping to set an example for all to follow. I hope that everyone enjoyed conference and
Rehoboth, MA that we will see everyone again in 2021. Thank you to all the committee members, the committee chairs, Lisa
mhbchaplin@gmail.com Harris and Kathy Splinter-Watkins, and the presenters for an excellent conference.
As a final reminder, please read, copy, and possibly fold under your pillow the excellent article by the
Melanie Dominko-Richards, ms, ccc-slp Reimbursement Committee and Ethics and Advocacy Committee focused on personal risk management and why
it is so important that we use the best terminology possible.
Oldwick, NJ
melanie@manestreamnj.org SUSIE REHR, PT, HPCS, AHA, Inc., HIPPOTHERAPY Executive Editor
Summer 2019 ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ AHA, Inc. │ 5
Thank You Donors
September 1 – March 31
$500-$999 $250-$499 $100-$249 $0-$49
Lori Garone Karen Renshaw Mary Helene Chaplin Paula Capella
Facebook campaign Facebook campaign Sandra Zaccari Molly Lingua
Ruth Dismuke-Blakely Anonymous Donor Facebook campaign
$50-$99
Monica Wu
Donations to our Support Education Now Campaign! These individuals made a five-dollar donation with their membership renewal.
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• Alexandra Thompson Arrington • Janice Buckley • Logan Clore • Rebecca Stanley
• Alexis Lopez • Donna Snowdon • Jean Terese Tremblay • Lorie Hagl • Rhonda Collier
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• Becky Mitchum • Equest • Karen Rogers • Megan Munsell • Sarah Niwa
• Bernie DeWit • Equestrian Connection • Karlie Lindgren • Megan Simcox • Shelby St. John Norton
• Beth Ann Kaib • Equi-Kids Therapeutic • Kassandra Smith • Melanie Dominko- • Shining Hope Farms
• Beth Dickson Riding Program • Katelyn Schloesser Richards • Skyline Therapy
• Beth Tromley • Equi-librium, Inc. • Kathleen Henne • Melanie Greenwood Services
• Bree Pisacane • Equine Assisted • Kathryn Mallon • Melissa Ann • Stacey Hyde-Mecham
• Brittany Mordarski Therapies of South FL • Kathryn Tracy Susalka Gingras • Staci Quillen
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• Cameron Taylor • Erin Slivka • Kaylon Fenner • Michelle Winer • Steven McKenzie
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• Carol Samuelson • Forward Stride • Kelley Hulteen Rehabilitation Ctr Services, Inc.
• Carolyn Ray-Mathena • Gabrielle Spangler • Kelley Newman • Molly Lingua • Susan Hart
• Carolyne Mainville • Georganne Fitzpatrick • Kelly Lynch • Monica Wu • Susan Redmond
• Carrie Jacobs • Glen S Cotton • KerryAnn Humphrey • Nancy Hickman • Susan Schmieg
• Carrie Nutter • Green Hill Therapy • Kesti Suggs • Naomi Dawne Harris • Susan Taddonio
• Cassandra • Hana May Brown • Kimberly Desautels • Naples Therapeutic • Tanya Bordadora
Sanders-Holly • Hayley Wild • Kristen Wiese Riding Center • Teresa Lloria-Llacer
• Catharine Lauderbaugh • Healing Reins TRC • Kristin Courtney • NC Therapeutic • Teru Langsdale
• Chase Doverspike • Healing Strides of VA • Kristin Stange Riding Center • The Root Farm
• Chelsea Sharpless • Heather Ajzenman • Lana Afseth • NCEFT • Tiffany Quilter
• Christina Foster • Heather Carr • Laura Dennis • Neita Miller • Toby Freeman
• Christine Daly • Heather Oman • Laura Harris • Nicola Staff • Tonia Livingston
• Christine Kraft • Heather Scholl • Laura Lenkey • Nicole Domaschuk • Tracey Lewis
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• Christy Rew • Heidi Weber • Lauren Glascock • Pam Strain • Vera Lilistrand
• Clare Mc Monagle • Hesper Holland • Lauren King • Pamela Upgren • Vicky Carregal
• Colita Messer • Isabella Margarita • Laurie Schick • Patricia Evans • Vicky Terpoorten
• Dan Swanner Rosnes • Leora Barry • Patricia Little Soldier • Wanda Borganelli
• Dana Hudson • Jackson Hole • Linda Chapman • Paul Teixeira • Wendy Colley
• Danielle Duddy Therapeutic Riding • Lindsey Gendreau • Paula Wetterer • Wendy King
• Dawn E Speece Association • Lisa Devine-Keenan • Pearl Wuebker
• Debra R. Hoffman • Janelle Robinson • Lisa Harris • Priscilla Lightsey
• Debra Sandy • Janet Alexander • Lisa Michelangelo • Rebecca Estes
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• Dianne Bertuzzi • Janet Maurantonio • Lisa Reynolds • Rebecca Maidment
As members of the Board of Directors of AHA, Inc. we are proud to embrace our mission of educating and promoting excellence
in the field of therapy services incorporating the horse. Over 1000 members strong, AHA, Inc. uses your donations to provide
educational opportunities for therapists, offer resources for individuals and families, and provide a database for professional referrals.
We are pleased to know that we can count on your support now and in the future.
~ Your AHA, Inc. Board of Directors
6 │ AHA, Inc. ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ Summer 2019
News AHA, Inc.
PATH Intl. centers and professionals
ince l 969 the Professional A socialion of Therapeutic Horsemanship
Jmemational (PATH lnrl.), formerly the North American Riding for the
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Summer 2019 ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ AHA, Inc. │ 7
HERD THE LATEST
FROM AHA, INC.?
An Update on the Baseline Definition Resource that a global conversation will ensue. A cohesive message with
Guide (Terminology) Initiative From Joann consistent terminology will benefit all those whose professional
work includes horse-human interactions, and it will make this
Benjamin, PT, HPCS
work even stronger. Results from the summit will be shared
A group to develop the Baseline Definition Resource with AHA, Inc. members as soon as they become available.
Guide (BDG) was brought together in late 2018 with the goal
of developing consensus on terminology in professions where
horse-human interactions play a pivotal role. At the direction
of Kathy Alm, CEO of PATH, Intl, and with a generous grant
AHA, Inc. Welcomes Two New Board Members
from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the BDG work group Mary Helene Chaplin, PT, HPCS
established a multi-step approach to address the acknowledged Mary Helene graduated from Boston
inconsistencies and confusion surrounding terminology. University’s Sargent College with a degree
Members of the work group included representatives from in Physical Therapy and received an MS
PATH, Intl, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning in Health Care Administration from
Association (EAGALA), and AHA, Inc, as well as professionals Salve Regina University. Mary Helene has
involved in academics, research, and veterans services. The BDG been providing physical therapy services
group chose to limit the scope of the project to North America. and including hippotherapy strategies
The first step for the group was to identify all the terms into her treatment plans for over 20 years.
that are currently in use: What language do professionals use? Mary Helene has extensive experience
What is written in the research literature? What has been providing physical therapy to individuals
adopted by the public and media? with multiple developmental disabilities across the lifespan, from
The second step was developing a survey to be administered early intervention and school-aged children to working with
to as many stakeholders as possible. The survey was intended young through aging adults, including those with developmental
to identify current usage and perceptions of terms and identify and intellectual disabilities. Additionally, Mary Helene has
possible problems. Under the guidance of Dr. Wendy Wood, held certification as an Assistive Technology Professional since
representatives from Colorado State University will compile 2012. Mary Helene has been a member of AHA, Inc. since 1998,
the survey results for use in the third step of the baseline began training as a faculty member for AHA, Inc. in 2003, and
definition process. became a Coordinating Faculty Member in 2007. She was recently
That third step will involve convening a summit in Colorado nominated to the AHA, Inc. Board of Directors and is looking
this coming July to review the results of the survey and reach forward to serving this organization she has watched grow in
a consensus on appropriate terminology. Members of this leaps and bounds over the last 20 years. When not at work or
large cross-sectional group who are associated with AHA, Inc. teaching, Mary Helene enjoys riding her two horses, as well as
include Nina Ekholm-Fry, a mental health professional, AHA, skiing and multiple water sports.
Inc. board member, and member of the University of Denver
faculty; Dr. Wendy Wood, an occupational therapist, active Melanie Dominko-Richards,
researcher, and professor at Colorado State University; Joann MS, CCC-SLP, HPCS
Benjamin, a physical therapist, hippotherapy clinical specialist, Melanie is a New Jersey licensed
and AHA, Inc. Faculty Coordinator; and Laurie Schick, a speech-language pathologist with her
physical therapist and hippotherapy clinical specialist with Certificate of Clinical Competency
experience in billing and reimbursement. A complete list of from the American Speech-Language-
summit participants was shared with AHA, Inc. members in an Hearing Association. She is currently
email newsletter in February. the Coordinator of Therapy Services
The final step will be sharing the results from the summit at Mane Stream in Oldwick, NJ, and
through educational initiatives, and members of the summit has been with the organization for
look forward to reaching that point. Eventually, it is hoped nearly 23 years starting as a summer
8 │ AHA, Inc. ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ Summer 2019
News AHA, Inc. I
camp participant, then a volunteer, and then an adaptive riding contributions by a health professional in research, service,
instructor before beginning to incorporate the movement of and education. She also received the coveted 1993 PATH
the horse for her speech-language clients. Melanie graduated Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award. Jan
from Seton Hall University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science Spink touched many lives and influenced what we do now in
in Education, and again in 2013 with a Master of Science in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language
Speech-Language Pathology. In addition to working at Mane pathology practice when we incorporate horses in treatment.
Stream, Melanie also works at Our House, Inc. as a speech- Jan leaves behind her husband and daughter and many beloved
language pathologist helping to improve the functional animals. She will be greatly missed.
communication skills of participants in their day habilitation
program. Melanie has been recognized as a Board Certified
Roy Alderidge, DPT
Roy Alderidge, DPT passed away
Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist through the American
this spring after a long battle with
Hippotherapy Certification Board since 2017. She is also a PATH
cancer. For nearly 20 years Roy
Intl. Certified Registered Instructor, a PATH Intl. Registered
taught at Arkansas State University.
Therapist, a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and
His teaching specialties included
Learning, and a PATH Intl. Mentor, as well as an EAGALA
neurological rehabilitation, orthopedic
Certified Professional. Melanie also currently services the chair
rehabilitation, and pediatric disorders.
for the Marketing and Social Media committee for AHA, Inc.
He enthusiastically introduced
In her free time, Melanie enjoys riding and competing in the
students to incorporating equine
hunter/jumper divisions, listening to podcasts, reading, hiking,
movement into physical therapy
traveling, and spending time with Arnold, her Pembroke Welsh
treatments. Roy had a cheshire grin, an infectious laugh, and
Corgi. Melanie is looking forward to working with AHA, Inc.
treated everyone like family, quite often referring to people
and the rest of the Board of Directors on further educating
as brother and sister. He served on the AHA, Inc. Board of
others and promoting the use of equine movement as part of an
Directors as the Standards and Practice Chair. Working closely
integrated plan of care.
with the Education Chair, he was instrumental in revamping
the faculty review process to help our organization continue to
improve its professionalism. Before his passing, Roy generously
In Memoriam agreed to have an article he authored reviewed in the Research
During the Internal Conference in Lexington, AHA, Inc. Critique department of this issue (page 32). In a true testament
honored two influential members who passed earlier this year. to his passion for learning, Roy welcomed the opportunity for
the terminology in his article to be critiqued to help further
Janice Marie Spink the education of AHA, Inc. members. Roy, on behalf of AHA,
Jan Spink was an accomplished Inc., thank you brother! ◀
rider, horse trainer, teacher, and
author. She was a pioneer in
developmental vaulting and the field
of “developmental riding therapy.”
Through her passions, she connected
with many professionals across
the nation, including therapists,
veterinarians, riding instructors,
educators, trainers, and other health CONGRATULATIONS!
and horse professionals. Her book Developmental Riding NEW HPCS Certified Therapists
Therapy: A Team Approach to Assessment and Treatment (1993)
was one of the first texts written to promote the therapeutic
application of the horse in rehabilitation. This book was Amanda Cobb, OT (TN) Karen Fergason, PT (TX)
instrumental in setting the stage for occupational therapists, Carol Samuelson, PT (AK) Sarah Beasley, OT (Ireland)
Heather Ajzenman, OT (NH)
physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists to utilize
hippotherapy strategies in treatment. Jan’s accomplishments
included serving as the Assistant Coach to the first US
Disabled Equestrian Team and founding the New Harmony 1350 Broadway
Institute and the National Equine Assisted Therapy Program New York, NY 10018
(NEAT) at Shenandoah University’s School of Health (212) 356.0660
Professions for educating and credentialing therapists in www.ptcny.com
methods of equine-assisted therapy. She was honored with the
Michael McCulloch Memorial Award in 1990 for outstanding
Summer 2019 ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ AHA, Inc. │ 9
AHA, Inc. Committee Updates
learn more! Our committee is dedicated to not only
advancing research efforts relevant to the incorporation
of hippotherapy into patients’ plans of care, but also
to developing an evidence-based mindset in the next
generation of occupational, physical, and speech-
language therapists. If you would like to get involved in
committee efforts and learn more about research, please
email us at researchcommittee@theahainc.org.
Research Committee Reimbursement Committee
BY ELLEN A. ERDMAN, PT, DPT, HPCS BY RUTH DISMUKE-BLAKELY, MS/CCC-SLP, HPCS
The Research Committee is comprised of AHA, Inc. The AHA, Inc. Reimbursement Committee has
members with either a background or an interest in research. coordinated with the AHA, Inc. Ethics and Advocacy
Members have a strong commitment to fostering and Committee in a nationwide educational outreach initiative
disseminating rigorous, systematic, valid, and verifiable to provide accurate information about the role of equine
research relevant to hippotherapy. Through this commitment, movement as a therapy tool in occupational therapy,
the committee also aims to improve the delivery of physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. With
occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language the support of the American Occupational Therapy
pathology services that integrate equine movement and the Association (AOTA), the American Physical Therapy
affordances of the larger equine environment into care plans Association (APTA), and the American Speech-Language-
by bridging research and practice efforts. Hearing Association (ASHA), educational materials
Members of the committee participate in a and resources have been sent to the therapy associations
monthly research committee conference call. During and licensure boards for occupational therapy, physical
these meetings, members discuss a range of items therapy, and speech-language pathology in all 50 states.
and establish an action plan to help meet our overall In addition, similar educational resources are being
purpose. In fall 2018 and winter 2019, our meetings disseminated to third-party payers and state Medicaid
identified three priorities that have direct benefit programs that currently use inaccurate information in
for the larger membership of AHA, Inc. First, the their decision-making regarding the incorporation of
committee updated the existing reference list of equine movement as a therapy tool within treatment
hippotherapy-focused research, available at https:// plans. The overall goal is to ensure clarity of conversation
americanhippotherapyassociation.org/research. This regarding correct terminology, clinical documentation,
reference list will continue to be updated each summer and accuracy in coding and billing protocols following the
and winter. Second, in January our members launched an guidelines of our national therapy associations (AOTA,
annual safety and practice survey via the online software APTA, and ASHA).
program Qualtrics. Through this survey, our members To further support AHA, Inc. members,
will describe occupational therapy, physical therapy, and the Reimbursement Committee has developed a
speech-language pathology services that incorporate Reimbursement Resource Kit for download which
hippotherapy and relevant safety practices. An annual is available on the Members Only page of the AHA,
data analysis and dissemination plan is currently being Inc. website. These materials are updated regularly
finalized. Third, the committee partnered with the to keep pace with changes in the healthcare industry
Social Media Committee to help generate “research bits” related to reimbursement. AHA, Inc. members who are
for social media platforms. Increasing research posts experiencing reimbursement challenges are encouraged
on social media will help boost use of new research in to contact the Reimbursement Committee for support at
practice. Be sure to “like” AHA, Inc. on Facebook to reimbursement@theahainc.org. ◀
10 │ AHA, Inc. ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ Summer 2019
2018News AHA, Inc. I
Social Media and
Marketing Committee Update
By Melanie Dominko-
Richards, ms, ccc-slp, hpcs
Meet Your Committee!
The Social Media and
Marketing Committee spent the
first part of 2019 hard at work
gearing up our members for
conference in Lexington and
making sure that the conference
had a strong presence on social
media. Between #triviathursday,
#flashbackfriday, Facebook Live,
and Instagram stories, we had all
our bases covered!
To help you keep up-to-date on Bonnie Vest, MA, CCC-SLP Brittany Schock, MS, OTR/L
all things AHA, Inc. and to share Committee Member Committee Member
select articles from the official AHA, Bonnie Vest is a speech-language Brittany Schock is an occupational
Inc. publication HIPPOTHERAPY pathologist and owner of Apple therapist who is the founder of
Flats Speech Pathology Clinic. H.I.P.P. Kids Therapy in Mandan,
Magazine, the Social Media Apple Flats is a 100-acre ranch ND. She is excited to educate and
and Marketing committee, in in south Arkansas. Bonnie promote occupational therapy
has always been interested in within her state as there is a need
conjunction with other professionals computers and media, so when in the upper Midwest, specifically
and the AHA, Inc. board and all the social media forums came North Dakota, for education,
faculty, will be writing and along she was quick to get on awareness, and advocacy of
board. Bonnie has been a fan utilizing hippotherapy as a
uploading articles that will be easily and user of Facebook, Instagram, treatment tool within a client’s plan
shareable on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for some time. of care. Therefore, her interest
When the opportunity came to in social media and marketing
Twitter, LinkedIn and email. serve on the Social Media and comes from the desire to share
Your Social Media and Marketing Committee for AHA, this with everyone she knows.
Marketing Committee continues Inc., Bonnie immediately signed She feels Facebook, Instagram,
up for the volunteer task force. and other social media forums are
to work on building the AHA, Inc. She feels that because there is great ways to share information
brand across various social media an ever-increasing role for social and educate others about her
media in our lives, it is a great passion. In her free time she enjoys
platforms. We encourage all our way to continue to learn, grow, spending time with her family,
members and fans to share our posts and connect in ways not possible friends, and fur-babies; competes
on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, before. And, especially, it allows in rodeo; and enjoys tending to
us to promote AHA, Inc. and its her “mini zoo” of goats, chickens,
and LinkedIn with their families mission on any forum. horses, and her favorite potbelly
and friends in order to continue to pigs Paisley Mae and Pearlie Sue.
build our network. ◀
Summer 2019 ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ AHA, Inc. │ 11·············-
aaama••a••••••
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Website Design Referral Program for
AHA, Inc. Members from Brighter Vision
When you recommend Brighter Vision as the best solution for therapist website design, your friends or clients won’t be the only
ones thanking you…We want to thank you, too! To show our appreciation, we pay $59 (the first month’s fee) for every customer referral
AND the person you refer gets one month free, too. The best part? There are no limits to the number of commissions you can earn!
Send us 10 new customers, we’ll pay you $590. It’s that simple.
The Referral Program is Perfect if you are: Contact us with any questions
• An existing Brighter Vision client AHA, Inc. Contact:
• A consultant serving health professionals
Sam Chlebowski
• A national or state health association or organization Director of Customer Happiness at Brighter Vision
• A blogger or other publication with an audience of therapists
• A friend of a therapist (720) 445-4554
samc@brightervision.com
How it Works
1. Recommend Brighter Vision to your clients or friends.
2. When you refer someone, email us at samc@brightervision.com and let us know. We’ll also ask all new inquires how they
heard of us.
3. We verify the referral and schedule your payment via PayPal (or credited to your account if you’re a current client).
Referral Program Details & Terms
• All referral commissions are paid via PayPal. You must enter your valid PayPal email address when you register as an affiliate.
If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can open one at www.paypal.com.
• Referral commissions are paid three months after the date that the referred customer signed up. For example, if the customer
signed up on July 1, you will receive your commission payment on October 1.
• The referred customer must have an active Brighter Vision account with no outstanding payments at the time of payment
(90 days after customer signup date). If the customer cancels within the first 90 days, or if they have outstanding subscription
payments, you will not receive a referral commission for this customer.
• You cannot earn a referral commission for your own account on Brighter Vision.
• Affiliate commissions can be rewarded manually if the referred customer does not click your unique tracking URL (for
example, if they sign up over the phone). To request a manual commission, please contact us and we will verify the
transaction and schedule your payment accordingly.M ARKET R ESEARCH R ESULTS:
2018 YEAR IN R EVIEW
During 2018 AHA, Inc. continued to focus on growth of the
organization and becoming more membership-centric. A market
research survey analyzed some of the organization’s data from 2018,
and the results that were shared during the Biennial International
Conference showed much progress.
2018 income was based solidly in the area of membership and education.
Marketing
Fundraising
Investments & Other Income
Membership Income
Education Income
AHA, Inc.’s greatest expense is the overall administration of the
organization. This number includes office costs, membership services,
magazine production, rent, payroll, and other overhead costs. The
second largest cost was output related to educational programs and the
International Conference.
Admin Expenses
Marketing Expenses
Program Expenses
Summer 2019 ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ AHA, Inc. │ 13I AHA, Inc. Feature
Our membership numbers over the past three years have remained steady.
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During the past year our educational offerings have broken down as follows:
Level I & Level II Annual Numbers
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200
150
100
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50
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We are looking forward to an even larger schedule of course offerings in
2019. If you are interested in hosting an AHA, Inc. course at your facility,
it’s time to let us know—our schedule is 75% full for 2019, and we are now
working on scheduling courses into the 1st quarter of 2020. ◀
14 │ AHA, Inc. ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ Summer 2019equine series Feature AHA, Inc.
Finding Common Ground
By C. Jane Burrows, dpt, hpcs, cci
U
nderstanding equine terminology is essential for COLLECTION: the result of the driver in long-lining,
any therapist utilizing horses in their practice. through carefully balanced driving and restraining aids,
Many therapists are just beginning their causing the horse’s frame to become compacted and the
exploration of treatment utilizing equine movement and horse’s movement to become light and supple. The baseline
may be unfamiliar with terms that equine specialists might is shortened, the croup is lowered, the shoulder is raised,
use. The following terms are defined relative to our use and the head is held on the vertical. Collection produces
in producing quality equine movement. If we are not the a more balanced movement in all planes, adding to the
actual handler of the horse, we should speak using terms
quality of information transmitted to the client.
that our equine specialist understands and therefore can
act upon to produce our desired results.
CONDITIONING: The process of training to become
BASCULE: Term used to describe the upward rounding physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest, also:
of the horse’s back when the equine pelvis is engaged the resulting state of physical fitness. Conditioning is
in a posterior pelvic tilt; the bascule can be the result of necessary so our equines can provide quality movement
improved collection. The ability to produce a bascule for the amount of time required.
aids in topline development, transmitting higher quality
movement to the client and assisting in development of ENGAGEMENT: The hindlegs are engaged when they are
upright postural control. brought well under the body to produce impulsion.
Summer 2019 ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ AHA, Inc. │ 15I AHA, Inc. Feature
EXTENSION: The extension of the paces is the suppling the horse and teaching the horse lightness, lateral
lengthening of the frame and stride; the opposite of movement, and developing a connection to the horse.
collection. The ability to extend and collect will determine
the quality of movement in transitions within gait. LUNGE OR LONGE: The act of training a horse by
working it in the various paces on a circle using a long
GROUND POLES: Usually wooden or PVC poles 8’ in longe or lunge rein; when properly performed can be
length, laid on the ground and used as a step-over in the used to exercise the horse to a higher level of fitness or
schooling of a horse to provide or produce a lift in the communication with the handler.
gait that accentuates rotation and/or lateral movement in
the client. SCHOOL FIGURES: The lines of movement used in
training horses and in treatment sessions: straight lines,
GROUND MANNERS: Term used to describe the serpentines, circles, figures of eight.
behavior of a horse while being handled on the ground,
being groomed, saddled, in the stable, etc. Good ground SCHOOL MOVEMENTS: The gymnastic exercises
manners ensure a safe environment during sessions, performed to develop suppleness, self-carriage, symmetry,
especially those involving close contact with a client such straightness, and rhythm in the horse: shoulder in, haunches
as grooming, leading, etc. in, turn on forehand, turn on haunches, half pass, etc.
FITNESS: The physical capacity and readiness of the SERPENTINE: School movement in which the horse, at
horse to do the work required. any pace, moves in a series of equal-sized opposite turning
loops; the straight-line distance between the loops can
HAND: Unit of measure used to describe a horse, being vary according to the needs of the client to rebalance to
approximately four inches. A pony is generally 14 hands mid-line after the turn.
or less; height influences the cadence of the horse – an
important consideration in regulation of sensory systems STOPPING SQUARE: To stop your horse with each
of the client. foot placed at the corner of an imaginary square. Both
front feet will be aligned with each other as will the rear
IMPULSION: Strong but controlled forward movement feet. Setting the horse up with all feet square illustrates
in the horse (not to be confused with speed) produced conformation, conditioning, and balance. To stand
through collection. Impulsion transmits stronger inertial square, the horse must collect their hind feet underneath
responses to the client in starts and upward transitions. themselves, engage their abdominal muscles, produce a
pelvic tilt, bascule, and distribute weight evenly on all four
IN HAND: When a horse is controlled from the ground feet. This position encourages the client to move into axial
rather than being ridden. Work in hand is essential extension through a neutral pelvic position. After spending
for therapy equines in the production of suppleness, an entire session getting our client to be symmetrical,
symmetry, self-carriage, straightness, and rhythm. we need our equine partner to stop square every time to
preserve that symmetry.
LATERAL: Movement in which the horse moves to the
side and forward at the same time. This maneuver produces SUPPLE: Bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible.
movement on the diagonal in the client, mimicking the A horse must be supple in order to achieve straightness.
rotational component of reciprocal movement.
TOP LINE: The line from the back of the withers to the end
LONG-LINING: Driving the horse from behind, in hand, of the croup. Development of the topline enhances the quality
with the use of long reins connected to the bridle; when of movement and the weight-carrying ability of the horse.
properly performed it is effective for collecting the horse
and producing high quality movement. TRANSITION: The act of changing from one pace to
another. Walk to trot is an “upward transition.” Trot to
LONG-REINING: Work in hand using the standard rein walk is a “downward transition.” Transitions can occur
length standing at the shoulder or side of the horse; used in within the gait or between gaits.
16 │ AHA, Inc. ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ Summer 2019Feature AHA, Inc. I
XENOPHON: General in the Greek army (c. 430-356 BC)
renowned for his work, “On the Art of Horsemanship,”
which described a progressive system of training horses
C. JANE BURROWS, DPT, HPCS, CCI
and which became the basis for classical riding as we know
As a graduate of Georgia State
it today. University and Boston University,
Jane has been in active physical
The above glossary should help you work closely with therapy practice for over 40
your equine specialist to develop, maintain, or improve years. As a clinical specialist in
upon the high level of fitness and suppleness required of hippotherapy she recognizes
our equine partners to produce movement that can be the unique qualities that horses
bring to human interactions and
manipulated to our client’s greatest advantage. Xenophon has spent decades learning about them. Combining
is included to remind us that our words may be long horses with work in physical therapy provided the
remembered. ◀ framework to explore new areas in biomechanics,
sensory integration, and system organization. Along
the way, she has become a barefoot trimmer and
natural horsemanship proponent, considering these
Source: elements essential to consider for equines involved
in hippotherapy. She has taught internationally
• EquiSearch. Glossary of Horse Terminology. in programs in Nicaragua as a representative of
Available at: https://www.equisearch.com/ the Florida Association for Volunteer Action in the
resources/glossary-of-horse-terminology. Caribbean and the Americas (FAVACA). She is a lifetime
member of the AHA, Inc. and practices at Special
Accessed April 19, 2019. Strides in Monroe Township, NJ.
Brown Pony Series
Book Two: Risk Management
RESEARCH & Safety in Hippotherapy
FOLI NDATION
Committe d to the advan ce m ent of EAA/T
through research
I 11 I RF h;is l"umlt'd six rr.1eard1 projens i II as 11i,m,·
y,'ars - 3 i 11 I !ipprnhera 1)y. Fi1!1 applir;uio11~ and
Iimli114s arc- poslt·r:1 un 011r 11cl1si1c.
We w ant to hear from you!
-+ D esignate a cont1i bution o the HHRF Hippotherapy
®
Resean:h Fund - Use Paypal at our website or send a check
-+ Sign up for our email list 8 Books in the Series
-+ Volunteer on the cientific Commi tt e (advanced resea l'ch aoOk On.e~ ln'll'Oduclion to i-lipporner(rp:y
experience requi red) leok Two: R'"sk. Management & Salely io l·fppC1lnerapy
-+ Hel.p distribu te our calls fo r proposals in your communi ties Boo~ Three; Consideru,,g Hippc,theropy In YO.I( Cc.rear Pion~
~oot Fo...ir: The Bu~inl!-n ot ~ippothi!topy
and affiliated universities .PUS 4 co«11::10ni0n SOOICS
® SCIJ'I R:ules•Tclly tJp--5,ol,e HO'Se Hc1ndllnc•lncorpa-01lng Gomes ,n Hippolne,opit
-+ Like us on Facebook
Shop at
www.HorsesandHumans.org
PO Box 480 - Chagrin Falls, Oh. - 44022 Amazon.com
Summer 2019 ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ AHA, Inc. │ 17Understanding ACHB
By Ellen A.
AHA, Inc. Feature Erdman,
pt, dpt, hpcs
T
he American Hippotherapy Certification Board movement, and application of hippotherapy principles. The
(AHCB) was created in 1998 to develop and clinical specialist examination also includes questions on
maintain a method to validate the knowledge movement science, the history of hippotherapy, and theory/
of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech- research related to the field. Each exam has specific pre-
language pathology professionals using hippotherapy requisites. Both examinations are offered twice each year,
in clinical practice. This directly supports the AHA, with a required fee to sit for either examination. Re-takes
Inc. mission: Improve lives by advancing education, are possible for an additional fee. Confidentiality is strictly
best practices, and resources for licensed healthcare maintained regarding the names of therapists who do not
professionals who incorporate horses in therapy. To successfully pass the exam. When the test is successfully
provide evidence of advanced education and use of best completed, clinicians have proved advanced knowledge in
practices, the ACHB’s certification tests were developed. the incorporation of hippotherapy treatment principles. This
During the initial development of the Hippotherapy outside validation may promote communication with third-
Clinical Specialist (HPCS) exam, the AHCB Board consisted party payers, consumers, and other healthcare professionals.
of the AHA, Inc. Board of Directors. The AHCB Board Therapists who have successfully passed the examinations
eventually evolved to become a separate entity to ensure also have the appropriate credentials listed on the “Find a
independence between the organization that provides the Therapist” page of the AHA, Inc. website.
education and the group that oversees the certification. The AHCB certification exam was developed to recognize
The ACHB Board is now comprised of physical therapists, individuals demonstrating basic knowledge of practice
occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists standards of the profession. Eligibility requirements include:
who have demonstrated ongoing competency in the • Current therapy license to practice physical therapy,
field and have attained the title of HPCS. The committee occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology
meets several times each year and collaborates with the • A minimum of 1 year of clinical experience as
Professional Testing Corporation (PTCNY, http://ptcny. a licensed clinician (physical therapist, physical
com) to create new test questions, review psychometric therapy assistant, occupational therapist,
properties and quality of the test questions, and respond occupational therapy assistant, speech-language
to concerns from the field and potential applicants. The pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant)
committee works with AHA, Inc. faculty and other experts • Completion of AHA, Inc. Level I and II Equine
to ensure current concepts, content, and references are Skills and Treatment Principles courses or
reflected in the tests. The collaboration with PTCNY equivalent graduate-level courses
ensures validity, fairness, and accuracy of all questions put • Minimum of 25 hours of one-on-one direct patient
forth on the examinations. treatment using hippotherapy prior to certification
Currently, there are two different certification levels: application deadline
the AHCB certification examination and the HPCS • A basic level of horsemanship, which includes
examination. Both assess knowledge in the areas of experience and comfort with horses and the ability
program administration, basic horsemanship, posture and to ride safely and independently at the walk and trot
18 │ AHA, Inc. ▪ HIPPOTHERAPY ▪ Summer 2019You can also read
