Hippotherapy, Session 7

It's cold at the barn this morning! If you look closely you can see he has a hat on under his riding helmet.

Multiple stations set up on the barrels for an activity.

Working.....

... to make a Jack-o-lantern!!

After finishing it, he used the pumpkin as a riding tool. Holding it over his head works his abs and challenges his balance.

Thanks for the ride, Ellie.

After riding, it was into the farmhouse for OT. Since he sees Ms. Nikki on Wednesdays also, she's able to spend more time working on the important areas. She does food work at the rehab center on Wednesdays, and with the Hippo sessions on Fridays, has been able to spend MORE time on food. So, on Fridays, after 30 minutes on horse & large motor skills, she focuses on fine motor skills in the house. It's really helped Andrew make big strides developmentally in a short amount of time and we are very fortunate to have an OT who is trained in both areas so we can have that carry-over.

Love the intense concentration as he works on his cutting skills.

This is what the cutting practice resulted in. Ms. Nikki cut out the pumpkin, Andrew cut out the facial features. Even though you can't really see his full face, you can tell he's excited & proud!

After cutting, he did more practice writing his name. He practiced each letter individually first, then put them all together. He had just a little help with a reminder of how to make the D but the rest was totally his own.