SLU DPT Students Horse Around During Pediatric Seminar

SLU DPT Student Field Experience Spotlight - TREE House of Greater St. Louis

by Catherine Zaegel, DPT Class of 2017

The Pediatric Seminar class in the Physical Therapy program had the opportunity to meet and learn more about “TREE House of Greater St. Louis.” This company provides equine assisted therapy, or Hippotherapy, and have a staff that includes PT, OT, and speech. 

It was really interesting to learn about the entire process of their operation including the analysis necessary to even match the right horse to the patient. Not only do these therapists need to do movement and postural analysis on the patient, but they also must watch the horses posture to watch for fatigue, stride length, etc. 

The company runs camps and is always looking for more volunteers to help with these therapy sessions. At the end of the tour and presentation we got the chance to ride the horse and practice the contact guard positions around the horse to protect the patient. We loved meeting the company and working with the horses “Java” and “Bug”! 

Students in the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy participate in offsite experiences to enhance their knowledge and skills in various specialty PT practice areas.  This blog post details a student's reflection on their experience.