Hippotherapy (from the Greek "hippo" meaning "horse") is an intensive one-on-one therapy session with a physical, occupational, or speech therapist utilizing the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy. HPOT does not teach riding skills, instead the goals are geared towards independence with functional activities of daily living. The movement of the horse creates a multi-sensory experience that is manipulated and graded by the therapist. The movement imparted to the patient from the horse's movement creates a pattern that is similar to normal walking in the patient. This movement cannot be duplicated in traditional clinical settings. As a result of the horse's movement, the patient makes improvements including balance, strength, coordination, and postural symmetry. Improvements in these areas result in increased independence with functional activities such as walking, dressing and communication. Depending on an individual's need, clinic treatment is incorporated in the on-site therapy room or the functional environment of the barn to either prepare the patient for the movement of the horse or address functional goals after the movement of the horse has prepared the patient's body.

Group Therapy consists of two or more clients and is facilitated by a licensed therapist. Although each client has additional individual goals the focus is social skill development. Critical components of this therapy strategy are movement and peer interaction. One or more horses are incorporated into the Group Therapy session in order to provide motivation and to challenge the patients through movement and balance activities. Having the horse involved also provides an avenue for patients to practice empathy, gratitude and patience.