K LOVES horses. She loves riding horses. She went threw a horse phase about a year ago and a 1/2 ago. So I arranged for her to go on a pony ride. K loved it - biggest smile did I ever see. She rode on the pony about 5 times. When it was time to go she was so upset and was crying. Her "Uncle Jon" (a friend of the family) wanted to pay for her to ride ago several more time, but I had to tell him that K has to learn that when it is time to go and can not be rewarded for crying and screaming.
Then this school year, her school took a trip to a local farm and horse ranch. There K got to ride on another horse. Again the same light in her eyes and smile on her face when she was on top of the horse. So knowing how K loves horses, I started to look into the hippotherapy for her.
I found a place that is local and it is volunteer occupational therapists and physical therapists. There is the option of group riding for 1/2 hour or one on one for 1/2 hour. The cost is $25 for 1/2 hour. I took K there last Tuesday to meet with the instructor and the horses. When we got there, K saw all the people on the horses and she was saying "Ride" "Ride please" "Ride horse please". When the lesson for that group was done the instructor came out. She introduced K to Pandora (one of the horses). K petted Pandora's nose and chest area. Then the instructor brought out a pony named Flash since K acted ok around the other horse. The instructor wanted to see how K would react around the horses first. When Flash came out K petted Flash. Then the instructor placed K onto the Flash's back. K lifted her leg to straddle the horse. The instructor was surprised to see K do this. But it was a pleasant surprise!!!!
Now the instructor told me K would be ready to ride with a doctor's note and that they would be closing for the summer, but she wanted K to come on Tuesday (this coming one) to start riding. I told her I did not think that would be a good idea because should would not be able to do it during the summer. Come to find out they do the one on one as well and some of the instructors do that during the week. So I got K signed up and ready to go!
I cannot wait to see how it will help her!
Hippotherapy is useful for:
- relaxing tight muscles
- increasing balance
- building muscle strength
- sharpening hand/eye coordination
- gaining a sense of body-awareness
- gaining a sense of self-control
- gaining a sense of self-confidence
- improving communication
- improving concentration
- improving socialization
- improving patience
- improving fine motor coordination
- improving sensory integration
Links to look at for more information:
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