SPOOKY!

It is a good think we practice first!

Not only do we desensitize our horses through interacting with them, riding them, schooling them every day of the week...

Every time we have riders coming to A Future and a Hope, we make sure to get up early and do a 'dress rehearsal.'

We set up the arena, and we practice our planned games like a dance to make sure that everyone knows where they are going, what they are doing, and things flow smoothly. When you have so many autistic children and kids with down syndrome, it is a MUST that things be organised in way that every one is safe and there is no lull or 'dead time.'

We also practice because horses are flight animals. We want the safest, most fun experience for our riders. We are building their trust, and one 'problem' can undo all of our efforts in establishing that trust and getting them to bond, open up, and enjoy being on these giant beasts.

This weekend, we introduced a new game. That game is explained here. 

I decided to do a walk through of ALL games both old and new... As we did so, we learned something... This is very...

Have a LOOK at our two horses' expressions! They were doing the games just fine, when suddenly, Moonshadow swung his bum around in a spin snorting at something terrifying! The tires weren't usually THERE! We removed them from the arena immediately and walked through our games again. He was calm and happy. 

Our riders arrived, and had a BLAST learning and giggling, and enjoying themselves. You can see the video here.