29/05/2026
Thank you to Tilly for spotting this…. A great explanation of why doing the yard isn’t just that… also allows us to show how powerful team work is and quiet observation of the horses, pattern spotting and versions of “spot the difference “ - what has changed since we last saw the horses, to talk about how we motivate ourselves to do repetitive but necessary chores and really important time to have often deep and moving conversations about all sorts of subjects- grief and loss, rejection and frustration amongst others while the movement involved in doing the yard helps process those emotions and no eye contact is required so, in my experience, clients find it less invasive than sitting down to chat…
🐴 Why We Do What We Do Wednesdays 🐴
This week we’re highlighting a simple stable task that provides BIG therapeutic benefits: manipulating fasteners! Buckles, clips, snaps, and straps may seem like everyday barn chores, but they help riders build important life skills while working with the horses.
✨ Therapeutic Benefits of Fastening & Unfastening Tasks:
🔹 Fine Motor Skills – Pulling, pinching, and manipulating small pieces strengthens hand muscles and improves coordination.
🔹 Bilateral Coordination – Riders use both hands together in different ways at the same time, such as one hand stabilizing while the other manipulates the fastener.
🔹 Motor Planning – Helps develop the ability to figure out how to move the hands and fingers to complete a task successfully.
🔹 Sequencing Skills – Encourages understanding the correct order of steps needed to complete a task, like unlocking or fastening a buckle.
🔹 Visual Motor Integration – Combines what the eyes see with how the hands move, such as lining up clips, holes, or straps accurately.
In the barn, everyday activities become meaningful therapy opportunities that build independence, confidence, and functional life skills — all while connecting with our amazing horses. 💙🐴
