Johanna started her 1st session of Hippotherapy today. On the way there we talked about riding a horse. Jo kept saying "horsie" over and over. When we got there she was ready to go.
Trying on her helmet for the 1st time. Oops a little big - time to adjust
Wow that's better - I'm ready to ride.
Johanna went with Ms. Wendy, her new OT to see her horse. Today she rode Chipper. Without looking back, she walked off to meet Chipper. At first they were going to try some toys in the therapy room, but Jo had no interest in that. It was time to ride!
After meeting Chipper and walking him out to the arena, Johanna told Wendy she didn't want to pet him or get on him. But with a little help, she was riding. She was so proud and never seems scared.
Circling back around to see us again.
Waving to the the crowd.
Playing a little game - Jo practiced reaching for the "bracelets" while keeping her balance on Chipper. At 1st she did it while Chipper stood still, but then while he was walking (very slowly).
Ms. Wendy wore the rings on her head and Jo gave them to the volunteer, by putting them on her arm.
A little action shot...
Connor taking a break from munching Cheerios to watch Johanna on Chipper
So proud - She learned to tell Chipper to "stop" and "go" when she wanted him to stop or walk.
Hanging on tightly. Johanna was steady getting onto Chipper, but when it was time to get off, she had "sea legs" for a couple seconds.
Playing a little game - Jo practiced reaching for the "bracelets" while keeping her balance on Chipper. At 1st she did it while Chipper stood still, but then while he was walking (very slowly).
Ms. Wendy wore the rings on her head and Jo gave them to the volunteer, by putting them on her arm.
A little action shot...
Connor taking a break from munching Cheerios to watch Johanna on Chipper
So proud - She learned to tell Chipper to "stop" and "go" when she wanted him to stop or walk.
Hanging on tightly. Johanna was steady getting onto Chipper, but when it was time to get off, she had "sea legs" for a couple seconds.Johanna had a awesome time on Chipper. Wendy told me that Jo was "so cute" and "adorable" and of course Jo just smiled her little smile. Wendy also said that she was amazed at how well Johanna adapted to being on the horse, especially for her age. Jo was one of the fastest to get out there and ride. I am so proud of Johanna - she's growing up so fast.
I don't think she wanted to leave today. Before bed Johanna and I looked at the pictures of her and Chipper. I could only convince her to go to bed after I told her I would print her a pix of her and Chipper to talk to school. As she went to bed, she kept saying "Chipper" over and over again. I could even hear her saying his name from the living room. I asked her if she was going to dream of riding Chipper and she said "ya".
See you next Tuesday Chipper -
