My Kingdom for a Horse

Some of the best things in life are free.

Over a year ago, I received an email about a study being conducted by UT Southwestern Medical School. They were looking to gather a group of children affected by autism, and have them work with horses as a form of therapy. As good luck would have it, Mason was within their target age group. I quickly responded to the email.

Once received, I promptly handed the phone book sized paperwork to Rashele to fill out. (she has much better handwriting).

We promptly submitted the paperwork, and were immediately placed on the waiting list. Months that seemed like years went by. Finally, in March of this year, he started.

He's started out small. On a pony.

The therapy itself is all encompassing. Mason is walked thru many tasks by his instructor in precise order, step by step. It teaches him several different things, communication, grooming and tacking, and riding at a slow pace to a trot. It's been great for helping him develop some much needed upper and lower body strength. He has to pick out, and carry the saddle blanket. Once that is complete, the saddle is next. This offers him a little more of a challenge as the saddle, while kid sized, is bulky and heavy for him. But he's determined, and he's a hard worker. He knows that the payoff is some enjoyable riding time. When the ride ends, everything is done in reverse order. He puts the saddle back, as well as the blanket, and bridle, and brushes the pony. He caps off the day by feeding his pony some well deserved carrots.

The facility that graciously donotes this therapy and their time is Spirit Horse Therapy in Corinth, Texas. As a parent I cannot sing their praises enough. The first line on their website says it all. Here it is in it's exact context:

"We have, in 5 years of operation, heard 33 children speak the first word of their lives, seen 28 children walk for the first time, and seen 26 children sit up for the first time on one of our ponies. "

They truly understand the importance of what they do. They don't limit helping only those affected by autism, but those affected by any number of special needs. They are non profit, and made up mostly by volunteers. They are an incredible group of people and I am forever indebted to them.

As I noted in previous posts, Mason hated animals. A few months ago for our summer vacation, we visited Florida. And no Florida vacation is complete without a visit to Disneyworld.

We've been to Disneyworld regularly for the past 10 years. Mason at age 4, has already been there 5 times. So he knew the drill, and he knows the parks well. This particular day we were at Animal Kingdom and our two older children wanted to visit the petting zoo. Mason has always avoided this in the past, usually staying outside the fence to watch. However this time as we approached, he let go of my hand, walked thru the gate, and chased down every goat, sheep, or calf that was within his range.

This is the first time he's ever wanted to be within 50 yards of the petting zoo. He had a great time, and after 20 mins, and having chased and petted every barnyard creature there, he was satisfied enough to be torn away.

This is all because of Spirit Horse, a great instructor, and a pony named Butterscotch.