EquiFriends Riders -
Erik makes sure he brings an apple for the horse
by Erik’s Mom, Nicole and grandpa Brian Rabot
On February 25, 2002, Erik started riding at EquiFriends. It was one day after his second birthday. He was extremely shy with those he didn't know. He was also afraid of this new experience. So Grandpa started side-walking with Erik at first... a hand he knew was comforting. After a few minutes Erik relaxed with the assurance of Barbara Sifferman, O.T. (Erik’s therapist in his Early Intervention Hippotherapy class) and the side walkers... so grandfather was able to move away from the horse.
After a few weeks Erik had come to look forward to riding as the highlight of his week. Every Sunday, he would start signing about riding his horse. Every Monday night Erik would make sure the apple for the horse was in place. Tuesday morning Erik made sure that his helmet, his walker and the apple were loaded up. And after his ride every Wednesday, Erik is sure to sign to everyone he sees that he rode his horse and fed it an apple, a sweet, and a carrot.
Erik had became aware of newfound abilities resulting from riding therapy. Grandfather remembers one Wednesday morning when Erik woke the day after his ride. He was having a ball, twisting his torso and moving hips, legs, and feet every which way. Dressing Erik was quite a challenge, but it was great fun to share in the benefits of ‘equi-therapy’.
Within the first month of equi-therapy, Erik was able to sit-up well on his own and pull himself to a standing position. Erik’s Mother and Father both firmly believe that horse therapy is the most effective means of therapy for their son. Along with developing muscle tone and coordination, the horse is a huge motivator for Erik to keep working.
Now, almost a year later, Erik is really starting to walk. We were not sure he'd ever be able to walk without support, but thanks to EquiFriends staff, horses, and volunteers; Erik is walking up a storm.