No long faces at Mudiwa’s horseback riding lessons
Mudiwa Dhliwayo fell in love with horses and horseback riding the moment he saw a group of riders out on a ride at the Honeydew Equestrian Centre.
You may have heard about equine therapy as a treatment option if you or your child suffer from PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, or any of a variety of other physical or psychological conditions.
Equine therapy is exactly what it says: horse therapy! Whether you are a horse enthusiast or have never given a horse a second thought, you may just benefit from some quality time with one.
Mudiwa Dhliwayo fell in love with horses and horseback riding the moment he saw a group of riders out on a ride at the Honeydew Equestrian Centre.
“About a year ago we were driving past the Centre when we noticed a large group of riders using the main gates. He started screaming, wanting to get out of the car and run towards the horses,” Sandra, Mudiwa’s mother elaborated.
They asked the riders if the Centre offered riding lessons and they referred her to Martinique van der Westhuizen at the Centre. “So we went inside, talked to Martinique and set up riding lessons for Mudiwa,” added Sandra.
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2021/05/13/forty-trees-planted-at-the-earth-centre/
Mudiwa has just turned four and had been struggling with his communication skills.
“As you can see, he now knows how to say ‘hello’. He becomes more vocal when he’s here with the horses. I believe it has also taught him to follow instructions. When we get home, we get a rundown of everything he did at the Centre – on his toy horse.”
Sandra mentioned that Mudiwa can spot a horse from a mile away. While visiting the Centre with them during one of his lessons, Mudiwa’s eyes were filled with joy and excitement as he walked past the stables and greeted each and every horse.
“It’s been a win. He remembers the rules, such as that you can’t go to the back of the horse. You always go to the front. I can see he understands those rules,” continued Sandra.
Mudiwa’s interest in horseback riding has come as a pleasant surprise to his family, as neither his mother nor his father have any horseback riding experience.
“I believe it’s because we were raised to believe horses would kick us or buck us over, causing us to fall. When I realised he wasn’t as afraid of the horses, I saw it as a great opportunity for him to learn something new. I don’t want him to feel the same way I do, or to have my fear projected onto him. So far, everything has gone swimmingly.”
Mudiwa has definitely demonstrated to everyone at the Centre that you can do anything if you put your mind to it, regardless of your size or age.
