Hippotherapy!

This week, we had Violet's second hippotherapy session. It's a kind of therapeutic horseback riding that other families with girls with Rett syndrome have used and found somewhat helpful. So we figured we'd give it a try. We thought it might help strengthen Violet's upper body and core. And it's also supposed to help her get the rhythm of walking by feeling the horse's movement. Plus, we just thought it might be fun! She loves animals and likes to be outside and revels in the attention (don't we all?). And, it seems like she has SO many therapy appointments all the time, we just thought that she (and we) might enjoy something a little more "normal." You know, something any little girl would like.

Last week was her first session and she was a little iffy on it, at best. But this time, her helpers were ready for her and had some cute kids' music playing, which always (well, almost always) helps to calm her. I think it worked. Or maybe she just got what was going on this time. Or maybe she was just having a zen morning. Who knows? But she was all smiles, which always makes me happy, too!

Getting ready to ride Dakota, her new favorite horse:




Absorbing a few instructions for her awesome guide, Kristen:


Note that there are three people around her at any given time. They won't let me into the actual stable, or ring, or whatever you call it. (I really don't know much horse lingo, but I am trying to learn.) One person leads the horse, and two others stand on either side to hold Violet. She also has a boppy around her for extra stability and a helmet, just in case. So she's very cozy.

Strolling around the stable:



See how she loved it. She looks so proud of herself: