A new bill in Illinois, Senate Bill 69, which mandates insurance plans to cover therapeutic horseback riding, is now headed to Governor JB Pritzker for approval. Advocates highlight that hippotherapy offers physical benefits comparable to power walking and can aid individuals with mobility challenges, while specialists note its calming effects on patients with anxiety.

Previously, insurance companies resisted covering these services, but the bill passed unanimously in the Senate in April and was approved by the House just before the legislative session ended, signaling strong legislative support for expanding coverage of this therapy.