Sophia's Hippotherapy Success: Thanks to Siobhan's Legacy

Sophia is just two and a half years old and has Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Her parents Gemma and Joe learned about Hippotherapy, a unique treatment recommended by Sophia’s Physiotherapist that would make a world of difference.

Sophia's journey with Hippotherapy began when her nursery friend, Harley, experienced incredible improvements in her mobility through the same therapy. This was then offered to Gemma and Joe and was made possible thanks to the generous support from Siobhan’s legacy of love fund.

Friends and family of Siobhan Cattigan have now raised more than £25,000 for Hippotherapy. 

Siobhan's mum, Morven said:

"We're truly honoured that this huge amount has been generously raised in Siobhan's honour.”

"We'd like to convey our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of Siobhan's family, friends, loved ones, the Callander community, multiple sports teams and those who never knew Siobhan for their incredible achievements in raising this magnificent total in her memory.”

"Siobhan epitomised selflessness and kindness and was passionate about helping animals and children and, thanks to her Legacy of Love fundraisers, her light will shine brightly forevermore." #RememberSiobhan

What is Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is a treatment type which combines physical and mental health through the sensory and motor stimulation of horse-riding and has been proven to be highly effective, especially for children like Sophia.

Sophia’s Hippotherapy Journey

Sophia sits on her horse named Bobby, and the horse's rhythmic movements provide therapeutic benefits. These movements, at a rate of 1000 times per minute, engage and stimulate muscles and body parts that Sophia struggled to use.

Sophia’s mum Gemma said:

“I can’t believe how much it’s benefited Sophia over a short time. We saw her making amazing progress in only 7-8 sessions.”

"Both her grandparents and nursery staff have noticed such a difference in her so quickly. Her head control and core strength is much stronger. She couldn’t get anywhere by herself before and now she can hold her head up herself and can crawl and pull herself up. She's always been quite determined."

"Sophia’s life has completely changed and she can now join in the fun and play with the children around her whereas before she used to sit at the side and watch children play. We can’t express enough how grateful we are for the funding for this treatment that wouldn’t have been available for Sophia otherwise."

Thanks to Siobhan’s Legacy of Love and all their generous supporters, this treatment and life-changing difference is possible for children like Sophia.