When the kids were very little, therapists would sometimes ask whether I’d consider looking into hippotherapy, or equine therapy, best understood as therapeutic horseback riding. I never really felt comfortable up on a horse, and here, a therapist thought my toddlers were ready? No way—this was not an activity for the Croys.
Fast forward to the summer of 2023, and after much cajoling from our friends who already had their kids riding, we decided to give it a shot. This nearby farm called Pony Power opened a 4-day camp week in July for summer-planning procrastinators like us, and with nothing better on the calendar—Matt also having recently returned to the office full-time—I signed us up. Each day ran from 9am-12pm encompassing various activities, including a daily craft, visiting the vegetable farm, spending time with the chickens and goats, and of course…horses!
Henry was really nervous about the horses due to their novelty, but if Hope was nervous, I never would have known because we couldn’t even get her to put on her helmet. I tried everything—watching Henry go first, seeing others in a helmet, sneaking the helmet onto her when she was looking the other way, letting her put the helmet on herself. At first, nothing was working. I was frustrated, crying, thinking about how it seemed like everyone else in the world but me could convince their child to put on their helmet. I was hyperfocused on how much fun she’d have if she weren’t refusing this one minor step. I was completely worked up over how little I sometimes understand about what’s going on in her head that she cannot yet articulate. Then in one magic, unanticipated moment, Hope overcame whatever it was that was stopping her and put on her helmet! Up she went on the horse, and the rest was history.
After a long wait following the 4-day camp in July, the kids finally made it onto the regular weekly schedule this January and had their first sessions last week. And of course, what happened? Hope resisted her helmet for the first 15 minutes of her lesson, having to stand outside the corral while her horse, Rosie, waited patiently for her, saddled and ready to go. Once her helmet was on, however, with just a few minutes to spare, she proceeded to the platform to mount Rosie and began her slow and steady walk, while a heavy rain pounded the tin roof above our heads. She and Henry passed each other occasionally, and Hope, thrilled to have finally made it up on the horse, repeatedly cheered “Henry!” to celebrate their joint achievements.
The benefits of equine therapy are vast. First, there’s the physical, which is probably the most obvious benefit. Muscles have to constantly react to stay balanced in the middle of the saddle, which strengthens the core and the adductors in the legs. Henry has scoliosis, so remaining centered and balanced is his objective, whereas Hope’s hypotonia, or low muscle tone, is worked through the adjustments her body must make as she responds to the horse’s cadence. The staff and volunteers guide counting, songs, rhythms, and instructions. And both children are deepening their respect and compassion for another living creature, as well as building confidence and self-esteem through their bravery and strength.
The kids have a few more sessions this winter and will hopefully be able to hold this date/time for spring. We’ve definitely found our next big activity, and I’m so thankful Hope and Henry can enjoy it together. I’ll share more as we go!