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Post by laurasnowbird on Jun 25, 2004 7:40:55 GMT -5
Finally!!!!! Ethan has decided that walking looks like fun! Little turkey took his first three steps back in JANUARY, and has walked when the mood struck him now and then, I've seen him walk all the way down the hallway unassisted, but for the most part he still crawled. His PT had NEVER seen him take a single step since he first began doing this six months ago. She thought that perhaps he was lacking trunk stability, which is why she recommended horse therapy. He just didn't seem to be comfortable with walking at all.
Well, here's the kicker. After his very first horseback riding lesson, he got up many, many times that day and walked for short distances! We were floored! Since that first lesson, he has spent more time every day walking around the house. He even finally walked for his PT, who was blown away by the fact that he could not only walk, but pivot, squat down to get toys etc. What a little holdout! Anyway, we are just thrilled, and it is such a pleasure to see him walking around like a big boy!
Horseback riding, anyone? ROFL!!!! ;D ;D ;D
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Post by AnnieC on Jun 25, 2004 7:49:55 GMT -5
WTG Ethan!!!! That is awesome ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by meghans_mom on Jun 25, 2004 7:50:15 GMT -5
Laura, that is so terrific! WTG Ethan!
Did you have to have Ethan x-rayed (for AAI) before starting horseback riding? None of the places here will allow the kids to start before their x-rays...I had MM's done this past Jan and hope to start her riding in the fall. I just think she'll love it, and I'm hoping it will help w/ her speech and language, as well as help her w/ strengthening in general.
Hope Ethan keeps up the good work! laurie
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Post by laurasnowbird on Jun 25, 2004 8:16:54 GMT -5
Yup! We had him x-rayed. We were fortunate to get him into a stable that works only with kids with disabilities, so they are pretty savvy. His x-ray was totally clean....HOORAY!
I was pretty apprehensive about his first lesson, he has issues with strangers right now, and he'd never seen a real horse. He did GREAT! I walked around with him for most of the first lesson and helped hold him on the horse. I wasn't planning on doing that, and wasn't dressed for the occasion. It was raining, so we were in the indoor arena, and the floor is covered with sand (so they can clean up the doo-doo). I was wearing a pair of white Keds mules, which are pretty hard to keep on in sand. I was helping hold Ethan on the horse, and after about the second time around, I stepped in something SQUISHY! LOL! I couldn't let go of Ethan, so I just had to tromp throught the "piles". Man, what we won't do for our kids. Anyway, he did so well they thought he had ridden somewhere before. The second week the volunteers worked with him, and he cried pretty hard for the first ten minutes, because I wasn't near him. Then he got over it and had a great ride! I think this is a great addition to his "sensory diet" for his sensory integration therapy. He's getting lots of proprioceptive input, and his upper body is getting a workout!
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Post by jeannette on Jun 25, 2004 8:21:25 GMT -5
Good to hear!!! Great job Ethan  Jeannette |
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Post by Debi on Jun 25, 2004 9:12:01 GMT -5
Oh Laura that is GREAT News!! I am sure the horseback riding also helped with this but WAAAAAY to GOOOOO Ethan!! (You may want to investigate getting a horse yourself to keep up with him now |
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Post by laurasnowbird on Jun 25, 2004 13:37:13 GMT -5
Debi,
ROTFL! Saddle up!
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Post by shellk on Jun 25, 2004 16:45:20 GMT -5
That is wonderful news....He was just fooling you guys  YEA ETHAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Momma better get her running shoes on.....LOL Michele |
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Post by PaigesMom on Jun 25, 2004 18:43:08 GMT -5
Woo Hoo, that is so great!! I wonder if the horseback riding gave him the extra "push" or confidence he needed to do it on his own. I have heard great things about hippotherapy and/or horseback riding for trunk strength, muscle control and balance.
Debbie
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Post by Chris on Jun 25, 2004 21:21:27 GMT -5
Laura,
That is wonderful news! ;D
Sarah started taking a few steps in October and didn't really start walking until March. She desperately wanted to walk and I was offended when her teacher and OT suggested that she would walk when she decided to walk. I really believe she only started walking when she was physically able to walk. She was highly motivated to walk but it still took forever. Who knows why some kids are running within weeks of taking their first steps and others take forever to walk after mastering a few steps. Anyway, Ethan won't be a baby much longer! It is amazing how much they grow up when they start walking.
Chris
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Post by christie on Jun 25, 2004 23:25:20 GMT -5
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Post by Claire on Jul 4, 2004 19:48:26 GMT -5
WTG Ethan. Mom get some good shoes, you will need them. ;D
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Post by samanthajosmom_12 on Jul 4, 2004 21:25:36 GMT -5
WTG ETHAN!!! I NEVER THOUGHT OF HORSEBACK RIDING FOR THERAPY!!! U BETTER GET SOME RUNNING SHOES FOR USELF. SUE
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Post by didmyheartgood on Jul 4, 2004 22:21:07 GMT -5
Good Job Ethan!!!
Mud puddles here he comes!!! ;D
Kim
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Post by Robin on Jul 5, 2004 13:03:53 GMT -5
Debi, ROFL I can see Laura now chasing Ethan around with a horse!!!!!!
Ahhhhh Laura, want me to remind you of some of the fun stuff you now have to look forward to with Mr Ethan walking?? Next comes ....are you ready? RUNNING!!!!!
LOLOL, I cant wait to see him, are you guys coming to Dayton for labor day please say yes!!!!!
hugs to you and Ethan!
Robin
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