Howdy Partner!

Sam began his first session of hippotherapy this afternoon. Hippotherapy - you ask? He's riding a horse! Well, hippos is the Greek word for horse. Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of a horse to provide sensory input which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The theory behind it is that the variability of the horses gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input needed by the client to achieve the desirable results. A good friend (and speech therapist) of mine, "Miss Dayna" is working with Sam this summer in an attempt to help with his diaphramatic breathing and speech in a natural and relaxed setting. Now that you understand the basis for the therapy, I have to brag! He did awesome!!! I was a little worried that he wouldn't even step near the horse, but boy, was I ever wrong! He practically climbed up the horse himself, and rode around the course sitting up so tall and proud of himself!! It was the cutest thing! Can't wait to see how he does next week - look out Lone Ranger!