An occupational therapist came to me one day and told me about children like Jason benefiting from therapeutic horseback riding. I remember thinking “She must be crazy! There is no way I would put my son on a horse!”. She told us of a place in Ponder that offered horseback riding for special needs children and adults. She suggested we visit and see for ourselves and then we could decide.
We were very reluctant at first but decided we could at least meet the people. We were amazed at the arena, the instructors, the volunteers, but most importantly the horses. I thought “why didn’t we do this sooner”?!
The horses seem to know they had special riders and there were children like Jason riding horses! Just to see their smiles and they way they seem to bond with the horse gave us hope for Jason. We knew then that Riding Unlimited was the place Jason needed to be.
Jason began riding the next week and because of his lack of control he had several side walkers to help him ride. As time went along he began to gain control of his body where he could actually sit on the horse unassisted. Jason’s dismal future outlook began to change.
When Jason turned 15 he took his first step! I know that the horseback riding enabled his body to feel the motion of walking and give him the strength he needed to progress. Jason now walks with assistance and is able to walk on his own short distances and it all began with a drive to Ponder Texas and a place called Riding Unlimited.