Hello all!
I completed my first day as an occupational therapist using hippotherapy! It was definitely interesting! A little nerve racking at first- but thanks to the course I took- I felt much more comfortable than I was expecting!
For the very first time- a horse stepped on my foot! They warned us in the course that it is something that is bound to happen to everyone. A VERY important tip to remember if you work in this setting is…If a horse steps on you- DO NOT PULL YOUR FOOT OUT! A person told us that one of their employees lost her toe nail because of the horse’s shoes. You have to WAIT UNTIL THE HORSE MOVES OFF THE FOOT.
This is much easier said than done. I was practically in tears- but I was able to give the horse a good push in the rump – which moved him off my toe. I have some slight bruising- but it feels better today.
Anyway- as far as treating the kids- I will say that watching hippo is much different than YOU being the one who is in charge of the whole treatment session.
I am looking into taking a sensory course for pediatrics so I can better my knowledge on these topics.
Anyway- I will update with any other exciting things.
Please ask any questions – and I will answer to the best of my knowledge!
Cheers!
Ouch! I suppose it helps at a time like that to think about those two beautiful pups sleeping head-to-head. Anyway how many people even have the luck (or nerve?) to be close enough to a horse’s hoof? Sounds as if this is going to be a fun, ongoing, story.
Thanks.