Illinois Moves Towards Insurance Coverage for Horseback Therapy
Could horseback therapy soon be covered by insurance in Illinois? That’s the question on many minds as Senate Bill 69 sits on Governor JB Pritzker’s desk, awaiting a signature to become law. If signed, certain Illinois insurance plans will be required to cover hippotherapy—a breakthrough for many individuals needing this unique form of treatment.
What’s Hippotherapy, Anyway?
Hippotherapy isn’t just riding horses—it’s physical, occupational, or speech therapy where a horse’s movement is used to support treatment. Think about it this way. Sitting on a horse mimics the human walking motion, which can be a game-changer for people with disabilities. This therapy helps treat conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, strokes, and even PTSD. It’s therapy that moves. Literally.
Marita Wassman, founder of Ride On St. Louis—a nonprofit providing equine-assisted services for over 27 years—sees the benefits first-hand. One of her success stories? A young girl with cerebral palsy who couldn’t hold her head up for long. After just four months of therapy, her parents reported she could sit and keep her head up during dinner—something she couldn’t do before. That’s huge.
Why Horses?
Why not just use traditional therapy techniques? Well, horses offer something special. Their movements help strengthen muscles and improve coordination in ways that just aren’t possible through typical therapy methods. Wassman explains therapists even choose specific horses to match the therapy goals, whether it’s building front-to-back strength or improving side-to-side movement.
It’s not only about riding. Some kids just brush the horses or hang out with them. That helps with confidence and movement too. Horses are calming, probably because their heart rates are so low. Just being near them makes people relax. Helps them stay focused, too.
The Emotional Impact
It’s more than just therapy to a lot of people. Being around these big animals can help people face their fears and feel better about themselves. It’s a real confidence boost. You get to be part of something, too—like a little community. Picture someone anxious, standing in front of a huge horse. Maybe they’re scared at first. But then, one step at a time, they start to trust. Soon enough, they’re doing things they never thought they could. That’s the real magic of hippotherapy.
Struggles with Insurance
Getting hippotherapy covered by insurance hasn’t been easy. Most companies just said no. That left families confused and frustrated. Some stables don’t have licensed therapists, so their sessions aren’t covered either. It’s a mess. That’s why Senate Bill 69 could make such a big difference. If it’s signed into law, it could finally make this therapy accessible to more people who need it.
Why This Bill Matters
Think about this—one family said their child made more progress in six weeks of hippotherapy than in eight years of traditional therapy. That’s how effective it can be. And with insurance possibly stepping up to cover these services, the potential for change is enormous. The bill has already passed the Senate unanimously and the House with strong support. Now it’s up to the Governor to move it forward.
What’s Next?
If signed, this legislation will be a win for countless families across Illinois. It’s not every day an innovative therapy gets a chance to become more widely available. Could this be a turning point for those with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, or PTSD? Hard to say. But the possibilities are exciting.
For now, all eyes are on Governor Pritzker. Families, therapists, and advocates are hopeful—because sometimes, finding the right support doesn’t just happen. It takes a little help from a bill and, well, a horse.