Today was Gage’s first hippotherapy session at Dynamic Strides. We went for a PT evaluation a couple weeks ago and decided to pursue it as a way for him to do something different and fun, but still therapeutic and beneficial. I’ve heard so many good things about therapy with horses and how good it can be for kids with CP, so I was excited for Gage to get started.
At the initial eval, Gage was all smiles when we rolled into the barn and he got to meet a horse named Peaches. He even reached out to pet her hair and got some kisses from her on his hand. Caleb was a whole different story…he was so excited to see a horse, right up until we walked through the door to the barn. Then he immediately wanted to turn around and go back where we came from, but managed to stay calm enough in mommy’s arms while clinging to me for dear life. The PT we met with told Gage that she had the perfect horse in mind for him—a smaller pony named Coco. We left that first appointment excited for new possibilities, with an inkling of nerves about adding more to our schedule and just the unknowns that come along with something new.
Our session today started off with friendly greetings from the therapists. As we prepped Gage for the ride with an adorable little blue helmet and a vest for
added support, things went downhill. He did not want to be messed with as we tightened straps and tried to keep him calm. Taking a selfie on my phone wouldn’t even cheer him up, and we all know what a camera ham he usually is! His protests continued for about three laps around the barn. I waited with Caleb in a viewing area at one end of the arena and would think to myself, “oh good, he stopped crying” only to realize he just got far enough away that I couldn’t hear his screams. But eventually he did stop screaming. He still had a few sniffles here and there, but as long as Coco kept moving forward, he was pretty 
content. He looked so cute and tiny propped up on that horse’s back, with a foam wedge in front of him to bear weight on his arms. The therapist would give me thumbs up from time to time as I watched from behind the big windows. At the end of the session, I got to step inside the barn for a photo op without the glare of the glass, but by then, Gage was mad all over again because the horse stopped moving.
So, day one is in the books. All the staff at Dynamic Strides was extremely gracious and reassured me that many riders have a rough start and end up loving it. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that’s the case with Gage. I have to remind myself that every new thing we start is hard at first. We’re just trying to figure out together what works and what doesn’t. One thing is for sure, we’ll never get bored!
This reminded me of how we are sometimes with the Lord. We are resistant to His nudges – to step out of our comfort zone. Once we do, we soon learn we are better for it. God has our best at heart. Thank you for sharing as it’s a good reminder for all of us. When I was in high school I volunteered at a place that did horse therapy. I love horses so it was a good fit! I learned a lot from the disabled riders. Their courage encouraged me! Their smiles made me smile. Horse therapy is good therapy! You’ve got this Gage!
What a wonderful perspective, Lori!