Today we took Little M for a horse riding lesson, his first for ages and asked Tokoroth if he wanted to watch his brother on a horse. He was super keen (for someone who rarely expresses a keen interest in anything other than food or going to Grandma's) and we've often been told about the connection that ASD kids make with horses.
From the moment we got there and Little M had saddled up the Tokoroth was squealing "Iwantogoonahorse Iwantogoonahorse Iwantogoonahorse Iwantogoonahorse" on permanent loop. He was so distressed he wasn't actually on a horse I couldn't let him watch his brother. The staff were pretty cool and told us that a few autistic kids ride at the school and that they get them involved with grooming, etc.
While Little M finished up his lesson, Tokoroth and I hung out in the stables meeting the horses and a smile lit up his face. The great big smile we rarely get to see. He loved the horses. Sadly this meant that when we left without him still having been on a horse and this led to a fairly predictable mini-meltdown.
Technically a success though as the hunch about him bonding with horses paid off. Talking of paid...as thrilled as I am to see that smile I have no idea how we're going to afford lessons for both of them!
I am glad it seems to work for him, as I said it is similar to the experiences I made with kids and horses.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such a beautiful experience! :)
ReplyDeletefound your blog via a retweet from @jamrock, then noticed this post about horses. I volunteer for riding for the disabled, have you thought about contacting your local group?
ReplyDeleteHave a look at RDA.org.uk there are groups across the country & in London too.
It might help with the affordability factor & also the instructors & helpers will hopefulling have a little more understanding of things like ASD & possibly have suggestions to help improve his lessons.