Part of David's daily routine is to be placed over a triangular stand, which puts his head below his waist. This is done to have him pull his head up, to strengthen or maintain the strength in his neck. He also gets vigorous physiotherapy in this position. So, we put a sheep-skin over my 6 year old purebred, CTR mare, and lay David over her back. Now David's physiotherapy is done on a horse, with his good hand stroking the horse the entire time.
Tears of joy are a common commodity around here during lesson season.
Parents are so happy to see that their children are being given the opportunity to try, and in many cases exceeding expectations. Our two school mares have been as much of a surprise as our students. When a student drops a rein, the horse stops. I have seen them side-step to get under a student who is losing his balance. They show almost no reaction to screaming outbursts, the occasional punch, or the vibrating epileptic sitting on their back.