Autism on Horseback

If you've seen or read anything about Temple Grandin, you know she's an autistic adult with an incredible connection to animals.  Grandin isn't alone: many people on the spectrum connect strongly with animals.  Even so, though, I was a little nervous when I took Tom and his sister to a local stable to try horseback riding. 

That was five years ago.

Since then, while we haven't gotten into competitive horseback riding, we did send both kids to the stables little "animal farm" camp - where, for the very first time, Tom was successfully included without support.  One huge reason for this was Scoobie, the pony he got to ride and curry every day.  There were other lovable critters too: bunnies, puppies... though the sheep, with their loud baaahs, were NOT a big hit.

Other families have gone much farther than we have in connecting their autistic kids and horses.  Some families start with hippotherapy - horseback riding therapy - which helps riders work on non-verbal communication, physical strength and coordination, and self-esteem.  Other families have found that ordinary riding stables are a wonderful place for their child with autism to grow and learn.

Share your equestrian story!