And for kids with physical, emotional and
mental disabilities or other special needs,
horseback riding can help them get healthy and
strong.
Polly explains that the gentle, rocking
motion of a horse's walk can help build
strength, coordination and flexibility for their
riders. Horse's hips, she says, are very similar
to ours in the way they move in all directions.
Riding them can be a very soothing, natural
kind of exercise for some kids, like those who
might have trouble with their muscles or might
even be in wheelchairs.
Plus, there's special bond that comes from
grooming and caring for a horse. All in all, the
experience here is about unconditional love.
Alexis would have to agree. Milo is her
favorite horse (although she's quick to says she
loves all the horses, not to hurt their feelings)
and she looks forward to her weekly visits with
him. Her favorite thing is trotting with him.
When we visited, we watched as she called him
from the pasture (he recognized her and came
over!), led him to the barn, groomed him, put
on his saddle and bridle, and led him into the
arena for a "lesson." She directed Milo around
cones, and over obstacles, helped him walk
faster and slower, changed directions and even
trotted a little. In the end, she rewarded Milo
with a bucket of feed that he eagerly chomped
on while Alexis took off his saddle and gear.
Polly explained that she has individual lesson
plans for every child, depending on their
needs. But those plans aren't set in stone, and
• Horses can
sleep lying down
and standing up
fun facts
about
horses
• Horses have bigger
eyes than any other
mammal on land
• Horses can gallop at
around 27 mph and the
fastest sprinting record
was 55 mph
• Horses use their ears and
nostrils to express their mood
• Horses can see nearly
360 degrees at one time
• Horses hooves are made
from the same protein that
comprises human hair and
fingernails
• Horses are social
animals and will get lonely
if kept alone, and they
will mourn the passing
of a companion
depend on what kind of day a child is having.
"Sometimes we just groom and feed the horses
together. Sometimes they just want to hang
out. Whatever is needed that day."
Right now, due to COVID-19, Polly is still
only doing one-on-one lessons. She hopes to
start up group classes again soon.
Horses for Healing, Inc.
14673 Daniels rd
bentonville, Ar 72712
479-795-0570
www.horsesforhealingnwa.com
Name: Kids and Their Pets Feature St
4.26 x 2"
Customer Name: WEDINgTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Ad Number: 103121NWR5321
It's time to "Pawse"
for fall!
Remember to schedule your well visits for your pets.
Now is the time to update their vaccinations.
It's time to get ready for fall and winter months.
4363 W Wedington Dr. • Fayetteville • 479-444-6600
www.WedingtonAnimalHospital.com
7:30am-10pm Monday-Friday • 9am-5pm Saturday & Sunday
https://twitter.com/
wedingtonanimal
www.facebook.com/
WedingtonAnimalHospital
Happy
www.officialKidsmag.com • NoVember 2021 • 31
