“In riding a horse, we borrow freedom”
― Helen Thompson
― Helen Thompson
Three Gaits is a therapeutic riding stable that has been offering a bit of liberation to children and adults who, for a variety of reasons, could use an extra therapeutic boost. I am a designated hippotherapy side walker which gives the riders the chance to "borrow freedom" at the once a week lesson while sitting high on a horse. Selfishly I get my equine grooming fix being near these impressive animals. There is nothing finer than the fragrant or aromatic smell of a horse---seriously.
If you are not familiar with hippotherapy, Wikipedia's definition is:
"Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input."
And I will have to say it works, it really works. Reflecting on my first days there I have seen improvement in each student's increased physical and mental activity and their ability to connect with an animal whose main purpose is to be nonjudgemental along with comforting and steady and wise and...the rewards are incalculable.
The absolute joy on the sweet faces of the participants when riding atop these magnificent animals reminds me to be grateful for the chance to help someone experience a taste of freedom. If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity that will make you feel and look like a cowboy or girl with the added benefit of warming your heart, check out their website at www.3gaits.org.
Thanks for reading # 37 of 7777.
If you are not familiar with hippotherapy, Wikipedia's definition is:
"Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input."
And I will have to say it works, it really works. Reflecting on my first days there I have seen improvement in each student's increased physical and mental activity and their ability to connect with an animal whose main purpose is to be nonjudgemental along with comforting and steady and wise and...the rewards are incalculable.
The absolute joy on the sweet faces of the participants when riding atop these magnificent animals reminds me to be grateful for the chance to help someone experience a taste of freedom. If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity that will make you feel and look like a cowboy or girl with the added benefit of warming your heart, check out their website at www.3gaits.org.
Thanks for reading # 37 of 7777.
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