NEIGH NEIGH NEIGH!!

It has been recommended for a long time that Austin get involved with hippotherapy or therapeutic horseback riding for a long time. Here's a little background on what that means and why...

"The Beamer-Paloma Center, LLC started with the gift of two horses, one named “La Paloma”, (who’s name in Spanish means dove or Holy Spirit) and “Viking Sunrise” (aka Beamer). The journey over the next 7 years was full of learning about Therapeutic Riding and the tremendous benefits for children and adults with special needs. The movement of the horse in therapeutic riding impacts and improves not only the physical aspects of core strength, coordination, flexibility and balance, but also effects the emotional and psychological outlook of a child with different abilities. Horseback riding therapy expands a child’s world - which is often full of boundaries, conventional therapies and restrictions - to a world with a horizon never seen before because of an inability to sit, stand, walk or speak, because of the confines of a wheelchair or the closed world of an autistic child. The human/animal bond has long been studied and at best we’ve only scratched the surface of understanding it. The relationship that forms between the horse and the child is full of mutual understanding, acceptance, trust and confidence; intangible elements that can not be created or duplicated in traditional forms of exercise and therapy."

Now for the fun stuff!!! Today was our first trip up to Sheridan to meet Julie and the horses. It was super windy so we didn't get to ride the horses. But the experience was amazing nonetheless. After talking for a little bit and getting to know Julie and the horses, Austin got dressed up sit sit on the horse. He has belt around his waist and a wonderfully cute black hat (oh the helmet memories!)

Getting up on Paloma

SO BIG!
Petting the horse... "Soft, Austin"
He was totally in awe!
And so was I!Julie was teaching Austin how horses blow their noses with that "Ppppp" sound... Austin joined in... with a little drool!
Petting the horses and checking out their noses and mouths.
He practically dove into Julie's arms. You can really tell what an amazing person she is!
What a truly amazing experience!! We can't wait to go back each Monday at 1115am. Hopefully next time will be without the wind and walls of dust that swept through the area!