This is Hashim. He has Cerebral Palsy. Hashim first came to our farm for hippotherapy around 5 years ago. I remember our first meeting so well. He entered the farm crawling on his hands and feet, as he could not stand up straight to walk. He was a very cheerful, and cheeky little boy, despite of his disabilities.
While he was sitting so proudly on the horse, I asked him if he attended school.....he said that he had started school, but didn't want to go back, because all the children taunted him and called him an animal, because he 'walked on all fours'.
He has worked so hard in his hippotherapy sessions. And I am so proud to have been there with him through the progress of him first being able to walk upright with two people holding him for support....then one person supporting him.....then walking (and falling down, and getting straight back up) all by himself, and now walking and running, independently!!!!!!
He is now happy to go back to school. But takes Wednesday morning off to come for his hippotherapy sessions.
As you can see in the photo, he has such a lovely smile... I know the reason behind his happiness....and now, you do too!!!