Hippotherapy is administered by a physical, occupational, or speech therapist who has received American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) certification. Hippotherapy's purpose is to increase function, not to teach riding abilities. The therapist directs the horse's movement rather than the child's in hippotherapy. If a disabled youngster wants to learn to ride, search for a riding instructor who has received the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) certification.