Travel bag on horse

Finally a beautiful day to do therapy on the trails. I attached this bag I made with a clip to the tack. It is so strong it held a ball, two small water bottles that kids like to shake, another bag shown below that I used to encourage weight bearing, a small bottle filled with clothespins and a folding basket.



Reaching into the bag with both hands to take out the activities was great for bilateral hand use, strengthening and balance. I use the two small water bottles (they fit inside the hands) to give proprioceptive feedback while they imitate arm extension airplane position and arm circles. They are really good for stopping new kids from crying.

This child is facing backwards. I knit this bag into a long stocking type shape, filled it with squeaky toys and more plastic bags. At first it was fluffy and worked great in getting the kids to bear weight on it to make it squeak. Then the bags started to flatten out. I need to find some foam and try again.

It also works really well when placed under the child's rear end while they are posting. Each time they sit down it squeaks.

Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L author of, The Recycling Occupational Therapist

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