More small miracles again, we had three new clients and 4 of us volunteers. The beginning circle is improving with a little more participation and creativity.
This week we worked with: Riley to ride; Pawnee to groom and hand-walk; DD to groom; Hugo to hand-walk; QT to groom and walk; and Bob for grooming and a short walk.
The group photo at the end includes Paddington too. The horses appreciate the attention, I can see (and feel) them act calm and present with the kids.
Horse grooming is a gentle activity giving the kids a chance to nurture and help care for the horse. The horses stand so still accepting the love gratefully. It offers a good way for students to connect with such a large animal, a good starting place for anxious participants.
Riley was host to Amy first. She’s a small 6 year old and she found courage and balance riding on Riley.
Later she was industrious, helping to scoop poop with Siem.
The other two kids, Walter and Missy, were surprised to know each other from school. They chatted easily and felt relaxed right away. Walter admitted to talking more when he’s nervous, but the format is mostly one-on-one so that’s fine. Everyone did ride Riley this week.
They each got to take a short trail ride around the property. After the ride Riley got a rinse because it was heating up already. This group did great and Walter’s mom talked to us after the program about him continuing on with Pegasus.
All names changed for anonymity.