Max was only 2 years old when his parents applied to Muirfield Riding Therapy (MRT). They told us of the difficulties he had, caused by cerebral palsy. Now, following sessions lead by our specially trained equine facilitated therapist, Ishbel, Max has seen significant improvements.
Generally, participants at MRT come for blocks of riding. During his last block, Max’s progress brought him almost to the point of walking, and his team hope this progress will continue.
Reaching this developmental stage will have a profound impact on Max himself; now 5 years old, his independence and increased confidence will help him as the school years begin.
The impact of this will also affect Max’s wider family. His mum, Pam, tells us of the improvements in his standing and sitting. And key to a child development, as we know, is play,
Max is able to play for longer when sitting on the floor, there is improvement in fine motor coordination due to improvement in his gross motor skills
As Max returns for another term, he is encouraged to walk to his horse with assistance, dismount on to the arena floor and walk back to his mum and dad – this is all part of his therapy. Therapist Ishbel and volunteer Susan, a retired physiotherapist assistant, have given his parents useful tips to encourage these gross motor skills at home.
Max arrives to sessions happy and excited, not recognising yet the improvements his therapy is bringing about, he’s just here for the fun!
(Photography: Emma Martin)
