Professional Training Courses

 

Specialized Training Programs

Hi.K.E.R. Professional Certification (Hippo Kinisio-Educational Rehabilitation)
The Hi.K.E.R. International Institute offers premier specialization seminars year-round, specifically designed for emerging professionals in Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy. Our programs are based on the innovative Hippo Kinisio-Educational Rehabilitation scientific approach.

Who Can Join
Our training programs are tailored for graduates and final-year students in Health and Rehabilitation sciences, focusing on the treatment of neurological and developmental disorders.

Eligible Professionals:

• Therapists: Physical, Occupational, and Speech-Language Pathologists

• Mental Health Professionals: Psychiatrists and Psychologists

• Education Specialists: Special Education Teachers and Adapted PE Instructors

• Equine Experts: Professional Riding Instructors

• Pediatric Care: Any specialists focusing on pediatric rehabilitation

 

Certification & Professional Recognition

Upon successful completion of the program, participants are awarded the title of Hi.K.E.R. Therapeutic Riding Instructor or Hi.K.E.R. Hippotherapy Specialist. These titles are officially recognized by the Hellenic Association of Hippotherapists and Therapeutic Riding Instructors (PASIETHI).

 

 

The Hi.K.E.R. Philosophy & Approach

Our approach is built on a structured therapeutic framework founded on three core educational pillars:

 

Environmental Structuring. We train therapists to effectively organize the space and conditions of interaction between the patient and their surroundings.

Holistic Development. We aim for multidimensional progress, promoting the patient's motor, perceptual, social, emotional, and cognitive learning. Learning Culture. Hi.K.E.R. therapists learn to build an environment that fosters independence and continuously enhances the quality of life for their patients.

Hi.K.E.R. Training Schedule 2026

1. Intensive Specialization Seminar

• Duration: 9 consecutive days

• Dates: June 20th – June 28th, 2026

Seminar Details

• Objective: Specialized training for rehabilitation professionals in Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy via the Hi.K.E.R. approach.

• Location: Varibobi Riding Club, Athens, Greece.

• Language: Greek & English

• Organizer: Hi.K.E.R. International Institute.

Curriculum & Clinical Application

Our curriculum bridges theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on clinical practice. Participants will explore core areas, including:

• Equine Science: Comprehensive analysis of horse movement, psychology, and training.

• The Hi.K.E.R. Pyramid Training System: Structuring the therapeutic framework.

• Clinical Analysis: Tailoring therapeutic goals on horseback for conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), ADHD, Multiple Sclerosis, and more.

A key highlight of the program is the integration of world-renowned methodologies (ABA, TEACCH, PECS, MAKATON) into the hippotherapy session. This equips therapists with the tools to provide truly holistic case management.

 

Speakers & Scientific Team

The seminar is led by a team of highly specialized scientists with extensive international experience:

• Ioannis Nikolaou: Pediatric Physiotherapist (MA), RNF Metodo Padovan, Senior Hi.K.E.R. Instructor. Riding Coach & Chief National Classifier (FEI). President of the Hi.K.E.R. International Institute.

• Nikolaos Polyzos: Pediatric Physiotherapist (MA), Bobath NDT, Senior Hi.K.E.R. Instructor. Director of the Hi.K.E.R. International Institute and President of the Hellenic Association of Hippotherapists and Therapeutic Riding Instructors (PASIETHI).

• Nikolaos Nikolaidis: Pediatric Occupational Therapist (SI), Senior Hi.K.E.R. Instructor. Scientific Director of the Hi.K.E.R. International Institute.

 

Benefits & Educational Material

Each participant receives a comprehensive support package:

• Bibliography & Resources: Extensive educational material and specialized course notes.

• Certification: An official Certificate of Specialization awarded upon successful completion of the program.

• Professional Support: Ongoing technical assistance, career counseling, and access to supplementary educational resources.

• Assessment & Feedback: Continuous evaluation of activities and assignments with personalized feedback.

• Hospitality: Complimentary coffee and snacks provided during scheduled breaks.

Participation Fees & Payment Methods

The total cost for the specialization program is €860.

• Deposit: €360 (Due by May 20th, 2026)

• Balance Payment: €500 (Payable upon commencement of the seminar)

Information & Registration

For further information and to secure your spot, please contact us:

• Phone: [+30] 6977-052821
  (Contact person: Mr. Nikos Nikolaidis, available Mon. – Sat., 10:00 – 20:30)

• Email (Inquiries & Registration): nick_nikolaidis@hotmail.com