David began his treatment at TherAplay in May 2001.  He is receiving ½ hour of CranioSacral therapy from his PT, ½ of treatment on the horse and ½ of Occupational therapy in the clinic.  Before TherAplay, David was in a period of extremely slow progression with very low muscle tone.  What successes he would experience were short-lived, as he would always regress back to where he started.  Now, not only is he progressing consistently but is also retaining his gains, mentally and physically, and is improving everyday.  Since May 2001 we, his family, have been in awe of his potential.  He’s behaving in ways and doing things we never believed were possible.   

    David receives an extensive series of therapy treatments all through the week and TherAplay is his favorite day.  When Wednesdays roll around he flaps his hands and gets terribly excited.  Then, when it’s time to leave he says he wants to do it again.  David talks about TherAplay consistently during the week and can’t wait for his next session.  I truly wish that David had been involved with TherAplay from the very beginning-just think of his potential then! 

Yours Truly, Kimberly Cole
                   David’s Mother

Dear Friends,

    I'd like to share with you the story of my daughter, Daisy, and the benefits of hippotherapy through a non-profit organization called The Children's TherAplay Foundation.

    Daisy was born with weakness on her right side from a stroke occurring before birth and is diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to the lack of motor function on that side. It has been difficult for her to use her right hand for most tasks and to straighten her arm for reaching. It is hard for her to build strength in that arm because it is tough to get her to use it. She also requires a brace on her right leg to aid in muscle control.

    Daisy is three and a half years old now. She has been involved in hippotherapy since she was two and a half and has been in conventional therapy since eight months. Hippotherapy has given Daisy many benefits including better balance and strength on her feet. She used to fall down very easily from lack of balance and control. Since beginning, we have noticed marked improvement in her balance and coordination. She is even starting to run! We have also noticed much advancement in the strength of her right shoulder, arm and hand. She is able to hold on to a swing, climb a ladder and dress herself. Her therapists are able to get her to do things on a horse that she has refused to do in conventional therapy. Daisy has accomplished tasks in the past year that we weren't sure she would ever be able to do.

    Aside from the physical benefits of hippotherapy, Daisy has become very proud of herself because of her new abilities. She beams with pride now as she holds onto a swing just like the other children in the neighborhood and as she dresses herself for school. As you probably know, independence is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child of three. Daisy may be small in stature, but when she rides a horse, she feels ten feet tall!

Yours Sincerely, Beth Schwier