Universiti Malaysia Sabah Hospital first in Borneo to offer equine-assisted therapy for children with disabilities

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 11 – Universiti Malaysia Sabah Hospital (HUMS) is set to become the first hospital in Borneo to offer clinical hippotherapy, a specialised therapy using horse movement, for children with disabilities.

The initiative, announced during the Sabah-level World Occupational Therapy Day 2025 celebration, marks a significant milestone for healthcare and rehabilitation services in the region.

The program is the result of a strategic partnership between HUMS, Happy Farms Hippotherapy Malaysia, and Nautica Stable.

According to HUMS Director Associate Professor Dr. Hajah Malehah Datuk Mohd Noh, hippotherapy goes beyond physical treatment. “It helps restore patients’ functional abilities and self-confidence through engaging, interactive activities,” she said. 

Hippotherapy leverages the movement of horses to improve balance, posture, core strength, sensory processing, and communication skills. Internationally recognised, it is particularly effective for individuals with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays, and other neurological conditions.

The launch event was officiated by Dr Mohamed Yazir Adam Mohd Husin, senior principal assistant director of the Sabah State Health Department, who emphasised the importance of occupational therapy in enhancing quality of life.

He praised the collaborative efforts behind the program and expressed hope for further integration, research, and innovation in the field.

HUMS occupational therapist Nurirdiyana Idros explained that horses are chosen for their therapeutic value, as their movements closely mimic those of humans.

“Horse movement can substitute for human leg function, helping patients—especially those with coordination challenges or cerebral palsy—strengthen their core muscles and improve balance,” she said.

While hippotherapy is well-established internationally, its introduction at HUMS represents a major step forward for rehabilitation services in Malaysia.

[Source: Malay Mail]