Memorandum from the Association of Chartered
Physiotherapists in Therapeutic Riding (DDB 106)
Having been fortunate enough to speak to Roger
Williams MP at the House of Lords on 3 March he suggested I contact
you on behalf of ACPTR and the disabled riders, clients and patients
we represent.
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
in Therapeutic Riding is a Clinical Interest group of Chartered
Physiotherapists who have undertaken further postgraduate training
to specialise in Hippotherapy. Mostly our members work in a voluntary
capacity with Riding for the Disabled Association, others work
in conjunction with their job placements in specialist paediatric
hospitals, schools and other centres and with other support charities
such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society and learning disability
groups.
Our work is valuable and we feel essential to
maintain therapeutic input for the long-term disabled and congenitally
impaired who all too soon reach a cut-off point with the NHS and
other organisations. We continue to provide treatment, therapy
and sporting options for so many who no longer have many options
open to them and are able to assist in integration through the
use of the horse.
RDA and ACPTR have been expert partners in this
field for many years and we would like to see this work more widely
available, more recognised and accepted and above all realistically
funded to achieve these professional goals.
March 2004
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