skills like two-point position, trotting and guiding her horse all contribute to improved physical and mental health. Practicing fine motor skills with zippers, buttons and snaps, playing catch and throwing at targets, reaching and placing items, are all done on horseback and are all contributing to daily life and success outside of Eve’ s time at ROSL. Each session, Eve is gaining balance, strength and confidence. Equine assisted occupational therapy has even helped improve her handwriting. This fall Eve and her team worked on improving balance, strength, motor planning and coordination to bolster Eve’ s posture and alignment and to benefit her gait, mobility, independence, confidence and overall health.
With a smile on her face and joy in her heart, Eve often shares songs with her team throughout her session, using her imagination to sing into a pretend microphone. She often encourages her therapist Lauren to participate in duets. Eve loves Stevie Wonder, especially on Carpool Karaoke, works hard and is a kind person with a big heart. Eve’ s team looks forward to seeing her each week. We are so glad to know you Eve and happy for all your progress!
Caden
STAFF | LAURA DUNN, MOT, OTR / L VOLUNTEERS | SERENA C., KYAH P. & SUSAN W. HORSE | JUAN“ DIEGO”
Don’ t let the small stature fool you, this cowboy comes ready to ride! Boots and blue jeans, he certainly looks the part. As he and his team clip clop down the grounds, Caden is on the lookout for wildlife. Birds, squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, anything that is nibbling grass or scurrying past always brings a smile to Caden’ s face. These trails rides around the property provide the perfect atmosphere to observe nature. Occasionally, the breeze carries the rumbling of train tracks, followed by the powerful shout of a train whistle. Caden’ s eyes follow the rolling train as it rambles down the track.
In just two sessions at Ride On St. Louis, Caden has shown so much improvement. This little trick rider even rides his horse Diego backwards. While this new sensation is loads of fun, sitting backwards on Diego engages Caden’ s back muscles in ways they are not used when seated forwards. Different positions have really helped Caden gain core strength to support his spine, inner organs, balance and mobility. Caden has also been working on increasing his fine motor skills and following directions. Caden can do all types of activities on Diego that challenge and stimulate many parts of his mind and body: buttoning buttons, clipping clips in Diego’ s mane, reaching for rings, placing items on targets and letter games in the arena are a few ways Caden is gaining strength and skills he can use every day. Caden loves to make his therapist and volunteers laugh and will tell stories and ask questions throughout his session. Keep up the great work and wonderful attitude Caden!
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