Bryce Fuller
Bryce is an energetic, 3 year old boy who comes twice a week to participate in the PARDS Little Pony Motricity and therapeutic riding programs.
The Little Pony Motricity program gives Bryce the beginning steps in horse care, building comfort and confidence around horses as well as learning cooperation working as a team with another young rider.
Bryce's family saw the enjoyment and growth in his confidence and riding skill so decided to give him a second riding experience that would also work towards his therapeutic goals and registered him for therapeutic riding.
First and foremost Bryce would like everyone to know that he and Encana like to go fast and that they are best friends!
At his assessment, both therapeutic and riding goals were established. His long term goals are to learn riding skills, and to improve his expressive language. During his lessons we work on letter recognition using games and activities as in within the arena using the dressage letters and pictures, such as /m/, monkey and using words we use when riding ‘Walk on" and "Woah’, for example. These basic concepts create confidence in usage as they are repetitive by use when riding. Once the confidence is there, natural conversation skills can occur between Bryce and his instructor. Bryce's parents say they have noticed a difference in his attempts at conversing with others. Bryce is always telling a story to everyone in the barn and has a contagious smile.
During his assessment focusing, body awareness and control were discussed and goals were made. Games and activities incorporating focusing, listening to directions, balancing exercises, stretches identifying balance and spatial awareness help to develop good posture and balance which, along with therapeutic benefits, are all skills needed for riding.
We look forward to seeing Bryce's continuing progress!
