Levi's First Experience with Equine Therapy

 Although we aren’t able to enroll Levi, our almost-nine year old son with severe Autism, in a  $5,000.00 a year Equine Therapy Program, Levi took it upon himself yesterday to enlighten us that he was highly motivated to begin riding and bonding with Baby. Baby is a 9 year old Quarter horse that was given to us by a family who wasn’t able to care for her any longer, due to health problems.

 Yesterday was John~Micah’s birthday and it was such a beautiful sunny day. We went to the front field, where the horses were, and that sweet Baby was laying down, sunbathing. When Trevor approached  Baby, amazingly enough, she just laid there. Normally, she would have hopped up. Makes me wonder if she laid there purposely to invite Levi to interact with her. J 

Levi is not an animal lover. He’s somewhat intimidated by their quick, unpredictable movements and really steers away from them altogether. So, what spontaneously transpired was amazing to all of us. Levi, comfortably and confidently, walked up beside Trevor and began to pet Baby. I knew Baby was going to jump up. She continued to lay there. Then, Levi put his knee up on her back while continuing to pet her. After a minute or so, he stretched his leg out over her back. I was holding my breath because I really wasn’t sure what Baby was going to do at this point. Then he did what looked to be so natural for him, he slid his little body up until he had completely mounted her in the riding position. All the while Baby just laid there for him. We were ecstatic! Levi eventually rode Baby bareback and with a saddle.

 Levi is so brave! We are so proud of him in the way that he pushed through his fears and stayed so determined to accomplish what he had set his mind to do.

 Levi had a better than usual day yesterday as we look back. He never had sensory-overload which resulted in less stimming and mini-meltdowns. Overall, he was just a happier little boy!

 Using horse-riding as a form of therapy is definitely beneficial. I wish you could see the difference in the ABA therapy sessions that we’ve taken him to and compare them to what we saw yesterday. We saw Levi respond with delight almost immediately, and the rest of the day was virtually stress-free and happy-go-lucky for him. I’m a believer.