Despite ADHD, Dominik has become much calmer thanks to the horse riding therapy in Straßwalchen. The boy first came into contact with animals through his mother.
Dominik’s eyes light up as he enters the riding school in the Stockham district of Straßwalchen. There the fjord horse Emil and Andrea Thomayer (55) and her family are waiting for him. Katharina B. and her son have been regular guests at the riding school for six months. Dominik (13) has ADHD and not only has concentration problems, but also problems in interacting with peers. The horses at the riding school are the most fun for him. Every two weeks the family comes to the farm for a weekend, after which Dominik is allowed to care for the horses and even try out small gymnastics exercises on the back. In addition to occupational therapy and medication, horse riding therapy helps the ‘whirlwind’, as his mother calls him, to be himself.
Katharina B., who uses a wheelchair, was originally looking for therapy for herself. When her son attended a session, she noticed how quickly he found access to the animals. He has been going to equine therapy ever since. And he has already changed: “He is gaining self-confidence and handles the horses with confidence. He is very different on the farm than at home.” For the 55-year-old therapist, this is what drives her work. She says enthusiastically: “Dominik is so helpful and has become calmer in the past six months.”
Therapy works with benign four-legged friends
Thomayer was trained in the healing, integrative equine setting, a holistic approach for body, mind and emotions. This was followed by a course in driving pedagogy at the state training institute.
Since the summer of 2021, she, her daughter Selina and two employees have been offering children with autism, learning disabilities, hearing loss or problems with adjusting to a place where they feel accepted. Very patient and good-natured horses do the rest.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
