Children love animals. They bond, smile, and chuckle when a wet nose touches their hand. Children with just about any physical, emotional, or developmental problem may be helped tremendously by those animal touches. Therapy with horses has been recognized as a benefit of medical treatment since 460 BC. Hippotherapy (from the Greek word "hippos," meaning horse) or equine therapy, are based on the idea that the rhythmic repetitive movements of the horse work to improve cognitive skills, balance, posture, and strength in a disabled rider. The self-esteem, emotional bonds, and trust of a horse benefits their mind, body, and soul of not only the child, but also their parents. Parents who truly want to improve their child's world, a world that may include wheelchairs or walkers, see the complete satisfaction on their child's face as they ride a horse.