Hippotherapy

Hippo-What?!?!?! Yes, Hippotherapy! If you are like our pediatrician you have never heard of the term, however, the equine enthusiast will most certainly recognize that the Greek word “Hippo” actually means horse. Yes, “Horse”-therapy. Well, of course, I don’t mean that the horse is lying on a couch telling Freud how horrible the mare that birthed him was… But I do mean that the movement and presence of horses have been proven to benefit individuals with disabilities aiding in physical, occupational and speech therapy outcomes.

I also would like to point out that Hippotherapy IS for the whole family whether there is a disability present or not.

We enrolled Emily in horse riding lessons when she was transitioning from a Waldorf education setting to a public school. I know – a huge transition! It was difficult for the whole family to go from a naturalistic setting to a sterile room with desks. So, that is why we wanted to engage her in something that would keep her connected to nature and continue to feed her spirit. That is how we met Silk (an Arabian with character) through his human, Jean.

It took me awhile to get comfortable enough to keep my eyes open, yet alone stay in the arena while watching Emily emerge from a walk to a confident canter. It was probably even harder to watch my 13 month old ride bareback. Although… I quickly recognized that she was safe in Silk’s care as he slowly made his way around the arena; she melted into his back as if they were one.

Both of these girls are naturals. However, over time I have realized that this is a joint effort of their innate skill and his ability to carefully discern what is best for them in any given moment. For the longest time, I didn’t recognize that Silk was consciously aiding in the girls’ success. However, yesterday, that construct was forever broken.

As Emily ventured into the pasture, mounted on his back, to see the very pregnant (ready to pop) mare, he carefully landed each and every step. She was radiating with pride at her accomplishment to navigate him outside the arena. When we returned to the arena it was Sahara’s turn. Sahara eagerly longs to ride like her sister, cantering and walking over poles, but her feet just don’t quite reach the stirrups yet. Still, that doesn’t stop her from trying…

As Sahara stretched her left leg to reach the stirrup, her daddy grabbed onto her so she would not tumble off. She quickly reclaimed her own balance. Still unsure that she wasn’t going to make another sudden movement, daddy kept his hand firmly planted on her, as he walked side by side the majestic Arabian.

As a firm believer in the power of intention, I do not want to create an accident. So from a distance, I was prepared to leave if I sensed my motherliness breaking any of their confidence. However, I snapped my head up when I heard Jim say, “Silk, you can stop whipping me anytime now.” I looked up and sure enough the horse’s tail was firmly swinging just to the left – whipping his back and head! After 3 more strikes Jean said, “He is telling you to trust him with her.”

What? The horse is communicating with him?

Well, the comment didn’t faze Jim. Without hesitation, he honored Jean’s suggestion by letting go of Sahara. INSTANEOUSLY the tail whipping stopped. Unbelieveable! They continued to walk as her pelvic synchronized with his. She beamed with pride at her own abilities. Silk beamed with pride for having put Jim in his place. We felt liberated at the wit of a horse on a mission to teach us all a lesson.

During the past 3 ½ years Silk has become a part of this family; a crucial part of Sahara’s treatment and Emily’s maturation. Silk and Jean have created moments in time that have brought this family closer. Moments that will transpire into childhood memories. After our visit yesterday, I am certain that we have , somewhere along the line, been accepted into his herd as well.

My enlightenment yesterday includes:

1. Hippotherapy is real and for the whole family.

2. Children are safe around an equine atmosphere when the horses are properly nurtured, trained and honored.

3. The horses aid in not only physical and speech attributes, but foster a sense of self, esteem, confidence and emotional growth for all children (and parents!).

4. Animals, whether equine or not, can and do communicate with humans.

5. When we are at the barn, Jim is no longer the alpha-male.