Saddle Up!

I've been sitting here trying to find the words to give Saddle Up! enough praise.  Basically, to Griff, they hung the moon.  Check out the smile on his face.

The volunteers are amazing.  The administration is so positive and organized.  The horses are gentle and precious.  And, the kids, well, they are just plain happy!

Saddle Up! offers recreational therapeutic riding.  Technically, it is not therapy.  The kids are learning riding skills and terminology.  They are increasing physical, social and communication skills.

They are launching a Hippotherapy pilot program this summer.  Here is the technical definition and difference from therapeutic riding... "Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input. A foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing, which can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. Unlike therapeutic horseback riding (where specific riding skills are taught), the movement of the horse is a means to a treatment goal when utilizing hippotherapy as a treatment strategy."  IWikipedia)  
Hippotherapy starts in June, I'll share more then.

Bottom line, Saddle Up! is an amazing place for all kinds of kids with special needs.  If you know of anyone who might benefit, have them get in touch with the people at Saddle Up!  (http://www.saddleupnashville.org/)  There is a waiting list, but it absolutely worth the wait.

That's Piggy with Griff.
~Martha