 | Almost every week Madilyn, 4, does saddle sit-ups during her therapeutic riding sessions. The result: increased trunk control to the point that Madilyn, who deals with the weak muscle tone of Down Syndrome, now can pull herself up from sit to stand with minimal assistance. |
 | James, 7, who deals with cerebral palsy, needed assistance walking and could not partake in playground activities. He has been receiving equine-assisted physical therapy at the Midwest Center for Children's Development for several years and over the past year has gained the ability to walk unassisted over uneven ground and sand. He also can tackle playground equipment. The advances have opened the playground gates to James. |
 | If you want to see Noah, 7, flash one of his wide, warm smiles - and who wouldn't want to see such a sight? Then just let him settle into the saddle for a hippotherapy session at Cowboys & Angels in Medina, Ohio. But the smile, while high wattage, is only the beginning for Noah at Cowboys & Angels. Dealing with multiple special needs, Noah uses a full range of muscle movement during hippotherapy sessions, thereby producing improved upper body strength and better balance, which are two of his therapy goals. What's more, hipppotherapy's insistence that a rider focus on the horse's movement is improving Noah's ability to follow instructions - a benefit for any seven-year-old. |
 | Madilyn, this one neraly 5, deals with spina bifida and was unable to walk or speak. Since beginning equine asssisted therapy, she has begun walking independently with a walker and has become conversational at home and school. |
