We just got back from our first riding session, and I'm blogging while Connor's down for a well-earned nap.That's not the horse he was riding, by the way. I would have been a wee bit leery of putting my child on a horse that size.
This is the horse, or rather, pony, he rode. His name is Thunder, and he's a very sweet and gentle boy. Connor spent about fifteen minutes total actually riding-- he was a little unsure of himself and also tired pretty quickly, so we didn't push him. I didn't get any pictures of him actually riding because I was walking alongside Thunder helping hold Connor on. Maybe I'll bring a friend next time so I can get them to take some action shots. 
Thunder was very patient with Connor, who was lurching around in the saddle in what must have been a rather alarming manner. We rode first, took a break and met some of the other animals, and then rode again. The second time went much better-- Connor seemed more comfortable in the saddle and even took the time to look around as he was riding, so that's good. I'm pretty sure he's going to be sore in the morning, though.
Thunder was very patient with Connor, who was lurching around in the saddle in what must have been a rather alarming manner. We rode first, took a break and met some of the other animals, and then rode again. The second time went much better-- Connor seemed more comfortable in the saddle and even took the time to look around as he was riding, so that's good. I'm pretty sure he's going to be sore in the morning, though.We also met and got to touch a miniature pig, some silkie chickens, a miniature donkey, a couple of full size horses, a baby doll sheep (they're tiny!) and the cutest little dwarf goat ever. 
That goat is full grown, and about a foot and a half tall! He was very affectionate, climbing into my lap and standing up on his hind legs to be petted. Very cute.
That goat is full grown, and about a foot and a half tall! He was very affectionate, climbing into my lap and standing up on his hind legs to be petted. Very cute.Greg, the man with Connor in the pictures, was fantastic-- turns out he was a special education teacher for many years before he opened the stables with his wife. He took a liking to Connor and told us that we could stop by and see the animals any time.
I'm definitely looking forward to bringing Connor back again soon-- I think he could benefit tremendously from this. What a great trip!
~Jess
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10 comments:
Those pictures made me cry. Greg seems like a very special man. I think this is going to turn out to be a very good thing.
so cute!
Ooooh, I'm so happy that you and Connor can share this great experience! I hope he really enjoys himself. Looking forward to the action shots!
B.J.'s brother has some developmental issues and did riding therapy as a kid. B.J. says it helped his brother a lot! So, great idea! :)
So awesome! I'm really glad that he enjoyed it.
That's awesome. We do Hippo therapy which is different from riding therapy in that the boys have a speech therapist who works with them during their time on the horse. One of my sons also has an OT with the speech therapist as well. It has been amazing. Thanks to this Hippo therapy Joshua's language is about 90% clear and Ethan has had an increase in his appetite due to his sense of smell being stimulated from the Hippo therapy.
How wonderful! It seems like a perfect set-up, especially with Greg's experience. He clearly has exactly the right manner for this kind of work. I'd like to see Connor in a 10 gallon hat and chaps! You could call him Tex.
Oh cool! I've heard that horse therapy is great for the kids. I hope he enjoyed it!
I'm so happy for all yall. Connor looks like the cutest kid alive in flannel! Ryan & I are thinking about therapeutic riding when we're out of the army... we'd love to have you over.
Great pictures!! What a fun learning experience for Connor.
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