ILLINOIS — A groundbreaking bill could soon change the healthcare landscape in Illinois by making hippotherapy — a horseback-based treatment used for a variety of physical and neurological conditions — a covered benefit under certain insurance plans.
Senate Bill 69, now sitting on Governor JB Pritzker’s desk, proposes that insurance providers in the state must begin covering hippotherapy. The legislation has already received unanimous Senate approval and strong bipartisan support in the House. If signed into law, Illinois would become one of the first states to mandate insurance coverage for this unique and increasingly popular form of therapy.
What Is Hippotherapy?
Unlike recreational horseback riding, hippotherapy involves licensed therapists using the movement of a horse as part of physical, occupational, or speech therapy. The horse’s gait mimics human walking, making it an ideal therapeutic tool for people with limited mobility or neurodevelopmental disorders.
As detailed in a report by Live Insurance News, hippotherapy has shown benefits for individuals with cerebral palsy, autism, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and even those recovering from strokes.
“After just four months of therapy, a young girl with cerebral palsy who couldn’t hold her head up during meals could finally sit upright at dinner,” shared Marita Wassman, founder of Ride On St. Louis, a nonprofit providing equine-assisted services for over 27 years.
Why Horses?
Horses offer something traditional therapy tools can’t. Their rhythmic, three-dimensional movement stimulates core muscle development, balance, coordination, and sensory integration. Therapists even pair patients with specific horses based on therapeutic goals — whether that’s building front-to-back strength or improving lateral movement.
Beyond riding, just grooming or being around horses has therapeutic benefits. Horses’ naturally low heart rates have a calming effect, which can help patients focus and reduce anxiety.
Insurance Hurdles
Despite its effectiveness, hippotherapy has rarely been covered by insurance. Many families have had to pay out-of-pocket or have been denied coverage due to the lack of licensed therapists at some facilities.
That’s why Senate Bill 69 is being seen as a potential game-changer. It aims to make hippotherapy financially accessible for more families — especially those who have already seen firsthand how traditional therapies have fallen short.
The Emotional Side of Therapy
The psychological impact of hippotherapy shouldn’t be underestimated. Building trust with a large animal, overcoming fear, and gaining a sense of control can lead to boosted self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and a stronger sense of community for patients.
“Sometimes it’s not just about the movement,” Wassman said. “It’s about the connection.”
What’s Next?
If Governor Pritzker signs Senate Bill 69 into law, it could be a major victory for patients and healthcare advocates across Illinois. The legislation would make Illinois a national leader in supporting alternative and holistic medical treatments through insurance coverage.
Until then, families, providers, and advocacy groups are watching closely, hoping that soon, horseback therapy will be more than a luxury — it will be a right.
Have you or someone you know benefited from equine-assisted therapy in Illinois? Share your story with us at Chicago Suburban Family.
