The therapeutic riding program I work for has a thorough checklist for
horse candidates to pass before qualifying as safe and sound mounts for the
kids. Though Ransom is firmly on the personal side of business and pleasure,
that list gives the two of us lots to work towards.
The therapy horses undergo extensive desensitizing since games and props
are a big part of lessons for kids with special needs. In preparation for my
two young cousins coming out for pony rides, I decided to see what Ransom
thought of the basketball set-up we use for the kids. I threw the small balls at
the hoop hanging on the fence, at the ground, and at him. Ransom didn’t bat an
eye as the balls rolled under his legs and bounced off the backboard. However,
he wasn’t thrilled about taking hits to his head and ears. Even though the
balls were soft, he shook his head in irritation each time I chucked a ball in
that direction. Calmness, check. Tolerance…needs work.
But a few weeks later, he stood like a rock while little Mason shot hoops
from his back. While Ransom may not be destined for therapeutic riding, kids
are a big part of his education and his future.
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