Hippotherapy in South Tenerife
Structured equine-assisted intervention for people with physical, cognitive or sensory disabilities. Individual protocols, professional supervision, year-round sessions in Arona Sur.
About the programme
The hippotherapy programme at Riendas de Esperanza, based in Arona Sur (South Tenerife, Canary Islands), uses the horse as a facilitating presence rather than a backdrop. This distinction matters: participants do not simply sit on a horse — they engage in a structured, goal-directed interaction designed around each person's specific needs.
The horse's three-dimensional walk closely mirrors the pattern of human gait. This movement, felt through the pelvis and trunk during riding, naturally supports body awareness and sensory integration. At the same time, the contact with a large, responsive animal generates emotional and relational responses that are difficult to replicate in conventional indoor settings. The combination makes hippotherapy particularly well-suited for a range of situations that respond poorly to desk-based intervention.
Sessions are held year-round at our partner equestrian facility in El Calvario, Arona, serving participants from across the south of Tenerife — Arona, Adeje, Granadilla de Abona, San Miguel de Abona and surrounding municipalities. The natural outdoor environment at 600 metres above sea level provides a calm, consistent structured outdoor context.
Methodological reference: Our protocols draw on the intervention frameworks of PATH Intl. and European equine-assisted therapy standards. Every programme is individually designed and reviewed at regular intervals. We are fully transparent about our institutional documentation.
Who is this programme for?
Hippotherapy is indicated for people with diagnosed conditions where equine movement, animal contact or outdoor therapeutic environments may produce meaningful functional improvement. We conduct an individual assessment before admission — not every case is suitable, and we say so clearly.
What happens in a session?
A typical session lasts between 45 and 60 minutes and follows a consistent structure — consistency itself is part of the therapeutic value.
The participant meets the horse in a calm, unhurried way. This phase builds trust and helps regulate arousal before active work begins.
Equipment is adapted to each participant. Mounting may be assisted or independent depending on mobility and confidence. Safety is always the first consideration.
The therapeutic work unfolds during movement: exercises targeting balance, posture, coordination and communication are integrated into the session through structured activities on and around the horse.
The session ends with a deliberate transition — grooming the horse, reflecting on the activity, and preparing for return. This closing phase reinforces responsibility and emotional regulation.
The therapist records observations, adjusts the plan if needed and communicates any relevant information to families or referring professionals.
Methodology and process
Every participant enters the programme through a structured admission process. We do not offer open enrolment — the assessment stage exists to protect both the participant and the integrity of the intervention.
Interview with family or carer, review of prior specialist reports and functional evaluation. A personalised intervention plan is drawn up with specific, measurable objectives.
Early sessions focus on ground-based contact with the horse. No therapeutic demands are made until the participant has developed a stable relationship with the animal.
Structured sessions combining mounted and unmounted work. Recommended frequency: one to two sessions per week, reviewed at six-week intervals.
Progress is recorded after every session. Objectives are reviewed periodically. Families and any involved professionals receive regular updates.
At the end of each programme cycle, a formal outcome report is produced. Recommendations for continuation, referral or discharge are made based on documented progress.
Documented benefits
Improved balance, coordination, muscle tone and postural control through the three-dimensional movement of the horse.
Stimulation of attention, concentration, working memory and executive functions through structured equine activity.
Reduced anxiety, increased self-esteem and improved emotional regulation through the relationship with the animal.
Reduction of disruptive behaviours and development of responsibility, patience and frustration tolerance.
Stimulation of verbal and non-verbal language through the relational demands of working with a horse.
Frequently asked questions
Hippotherapy is a socio-educational intervention that uses the horse as a facilitating agent. The horse's movement stimulates the participant's sensory and motor system naturally, while contact with the animal generates emotional and behavioural responses that are difficult to achieve in conventional indoor settings. It is distinct from recreational horse riding.
The programme is designed for people with physical, intellectual, cognitive or sensory disabilities. It is also indicated for individuals with ASD, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and similar conditions. Each case is assessed individually — not all profiles are suitable, and we explain why clearly.
No. The programme starts from scratch. Early sessions involve gradual, ground-based contact with the horse before any mounted work begins. No equestrian background is needed from the participant or their family.
The process begins with an initial assessment interview with the family or carer. From there, an individual plan is designed with specific objectives and session frequency. You can start the process via our contact page.
Sessions have a participation fee that may vary according to socioeconomic circumstances. Co-funded places exist for families with limited resources. Please contact us for detailed information.
Yes. We encourage a preliminary visit before admission, both to reassure the participant and to allow us to assess the suitability of the setting for each individual. Contact us to arrange a time.
Related pages
- → Social Inclusion with horses — for at-risk youth and vulnerable families
- → Children's Equestrian School — values-based riding education
- → Impact and results — how we measure outcomes
- → Support the programme — co-fund a place for someone who cannot afford it
Please note: This programme is socio-educational in nature. It does not replace any medical, psychological or specialist care the participant may be receiving — it complements it.