The American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) uses being around horses, and being involved in movement with horses to move forward therapeutic goals in the treatment of both children and adults. Using horses to assist in therapy is relatively new, but is a growing therapeutical tool.

This therapy joins other exciting and promising therapies and supports involving animals. For example, recently there has been a surge in service animals beyond the traditional canine (for example, miniature horses and monkeys) as well as a rethinking of how traditional support animals such as dogs can be trained to assist other populations.