Zora, the horse double

[David C.]

We've had Jessica in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding program for a few weeks now.  One of the things they teach her to do is to groom the horse before riding it.   So, to have Jessica practice her grooming, we use the closest thing to a horse in this house...Zora.   After all, Zora has four legs, just like a horse.:grin: You've heard of quarterhorses?   Zora is a sixteenthhorse.   

While I don't have a piccy of Jessica grooming  Zora, I do have a pic of her grooming the "real" thing.  This is Jessica with Sugar and her instructor:

[DeeanDave]

Love the picture!  Jessica is growing up.....a beautiful little girl!  Good work, Jessica!

[TerriL]

David, My nephew is autistic and my sister recently discussed this type of therapy with me.  Please continue to let us know how Jessica responds ..  I have a really good feeling about this.....
AND....  Great Pics!   :apls:

[Sandishooligans]

Jessica sure is a gorgeous gal!  She really looks involved with her grooming!  Way to go, Jessica!

[Teresa]

I'm so glad you got to start this with Jessica. I've read nothing but good stuff about the therapy with horses. It's just amazing how they connect with these kids. I. too look forward to hearing about the progress Jessica makes this summer.
I'm sure Zora doesn't mind being a substitute horse. It's a great way to get attention!

[Doxherding Karen]

I think "Zorateriat" is a 1/64th horse!!


Dr. Johnny Shoemaker Leaky

("Whoa, Big Girl, steady there!"  )

[Brekkesmom]

How adorable!   :thumb: Jessica is just cuter and cuter each time we see a picture - which isn't often enough, as far as I'm concerned! :scratch:

[cheryl186]

Wow, Jessica looks like she loves the horses!  She is so beautiful!!!!  I agree, we don't see enough pictures of Jessica   I have heard nothing but great things about this type of therapy.

[Doxherding Karen]

An old story:

Back in 1976-79 when my then-husband, daughter and I lived in Puerto Rico, the Navy base had a semi-permanent herd of horses that stayed on base and were sold as owners transferred to and from the base.  I was lucky enough to buy a registered Paso Fino gelding named Niño Cicso who was 20 years old at that time and known for being a cantankerous curmudgeon/Nursery Nanny/competitor who I rode in rodeo competitions until I was seven months pregnant with my second daughter.

One day I was in Cisco's stall, grooming him, when he flashed his famous temper, laid his ears flat back and stomped his hind foot on the opposite side.  "Hey, hey, HEY!" I told him and gave him a tug on his lead.  He nipped at me, I tapped his nose, and he settled down.  Then he did the whole thing again.  The third time he added a shake of his head and blew his nose at me.  What did I do?  Why was he upset?  One more stomp on the far side and I stopped grooming and went around to the Cisco's opposite side - where stood Miriam, all of three years old, with a stick in her hand, poking Cisco in the stomach! 

Cisco could have taken her out with one flick of his hoof, or bitten her.  But he knew she was a little child, and he never hurt her.  A few months later, when he was on Nursery Nanny duty to a foal, Miriam was attacked by the mare who viewed her as a threat to the foal and kicked her in the head.  She was lucky to have survived the kick, according to the doctor, the vet, and the farrier.

Karen

[Barb]

What a cool picture !!!!  Now we need one of her grooming the teeny tiny horse..... 

[Roberta]

David she is growing up divine, cannot believe the size she is. My sister does some work with the blind on horses and even the people helping the kids get a buzz out of it.
Just don't get sucked into buyning one for her...her mini horsie as the others say we need pickies.
Roberta

[Shumard4]

WOW! I can't believe how much Jessica has grown.

[PattyInAK]

Horses ARE magical, and they work wonders in therapy programs, especially with kids.