Horse Therapy

Every Summer, Grady took extra pediatric therapy classes at his therapy center. This year, they changed it and only had classes for 7 and older. I was really disappointed. During the summer, Grady doesn't have his home therapies and only goes to the pediatric center once a week. We're working a lot on his core strength where he is weak.
So that day I came home and started searching. A few days before, my Mom had mentioned something about horse back riding and the muscles it builds. Which got me thinking that it would be something that would really benefit Grady.
I found a wonderful program in Norwalk called Stampede of Dreams. And the best part, Aiden could do it too because they worked with his with aspergers and adhd as well! I sent an e-mail to the director and even though sign up had ended a month before....they have 2 spots open! It was meant to be!!

This program has been amazing! The staff of volunteers are so wonderful and patient and loving to my kids. The boys LOVE the horses and learning new things. They love their helpers. They even got to participate in a real horse show this weekend and earned ribbons. I am so, so grateful that I found this program. I think it's the best thing ever! 

And now...the pictures!


When the boys get to the stable, they have to find their helmets and name tags.

And then they warm up their muscles on Brownie, the equine horse.

Then the boys go into the field with their helpers (they each have 3 adults with them.) and they brush their horses. Grady's favorite horse is Sunny and Aiden loves Corkey.

And then it's time to get in the saddle!  (This horse is Doc.)

A quick check on the saddle and then they are ready to go!




They have to lean over and reach into a bucket to get a stuffed animal. Then they had to ride to a mailbox and lean over to put the toy inside.

Aiden has a lot of fun talking to his side walker.

A little blurry....but this is Grady's first time trotting. He LOVES it!


On Sunday, the boys competed in a horse show! They did a halter lead even and an obstacle course!

Waiting to go into the ring.

Grady and Sunny's turn!

A bunch of happy kids!!


The boys with both of their ribbons. Every week they count the days until it's horse day!  Thank you Stampede of Dreams for having such a wonderful program!!!