Friday, September 18, 2009

hippotherapy

Max has started OT with another therapist...and we are very excited! Not only is this clinic wonderful and experienced, they also use hippotherapy as a center of their treatment plan. (We tried this therapy several years ago, and Max was simply not ready.)

We started with full immersion in the balls and blanket swing, and Max was totally up for it. Once they observed Max's spunky personality, the therapist and the clinic director were both eager to get started with him. :) Our key goals are to strengthen his core and work on his balance.










































And guess what came next?
Yep...Mighty Max got on a horse! And he didn't freak out!!! YAY! YAY! YAY! We were all so very excited. This is huge progress for him.
First we sat him by himself on good ol' Willie. He was ok for a moment, but then seemed a little nervous so I joined him. We walked around for a few minutes and he did just fine. (I wouldn't say "great" but he didn't jump off!)
Congratulations Mighty Max...yet another milestone reached on our journey!














10 comments:

Catherine L said...

Oh I so want to this. My sister is a very accomplished horsewoman and once I'm her poor relative in that respect, I've always known I've wanted it for Reu... good to learn from you guys. Cx

Leslie, Arlin and Katie Kauffman said...

Mighty Max, I am SO happy to see these pictures of you on a horse! Way to go, buddy!!

Jennifer said...

I love these pictures and the celebration of these accomplishments. But, Amy, what is truly beautiful is the pride, joy and love that shines from your face on the picture of the two of you on Willie. Oh my - that picture speaks volumes. Hugs to you today, (and every day) my friend.

Carolyn said...

OK Max, you have me tearing up again. I just knew you would get on a horse when YOU were ready. Mighty Max, that is another item you can mark from your lit of "to do" things.
Hugs,
Carolyn in WV

Jen said...

I'm so happy to see Max on the horse! I know it was hard a few years ago when he wasn't ready but now hopefully this therapy will help him even more with his mobility!

Crystal M. said...

Great job MAX!! Eva will be so proud!!

Kurby Family said...

That looks like so much fun! I hope you keep with it and really enjoy it. The balls look like a lot of fun too!

Shannon said...

Amy,
As a former CM, I cannot say enough about Hippotherapy! YIPPEE and YEE- haw Max!!!!!
What a wonderful picture you got. Did you happen to catch the episode of Extreme Makeover where they renovated the HT center? You might have blogged about that but I can't remember.
Anyway this is awesome news!
-Shannon in Austin

Kristi said...

Yay for Max!
This is such an incredible therapy. I can't wait to hear what this does for Mighty Max!

I have been trying to get this started for Gracie now that she's on such gross-motor roll! Unfortunately, it's hard to find an open slot. I will keep trying, though! Seeing Max just lit my fire to make more calls again tomorrow!

Eva and her 'rents said...

Yay! How fabulous!!