File:Dom mechanical horse design1.jpg

Design 1 This design is based off the design of a rocking chair combined with that of a hobby horse. This design allows the parents to precisely control the range of motion while their child still receives the therapeutic experience that horseback riding would give him. The frame is designed for maximum clearance from the horse, so there is no chance of pinching like might happen with a traditional spring designed hobby horse. It has pins to immobilize the rocker, that can be inserted into the frame much like weightlifting equipment to keep the horse stabile and allow for ease of access when getting the child in and out of the saddle. The therapist and mother also asked if we could make the horses head removable to allow for other therapeutic uses. To accomplish this request, the head is mounted with rectangular tubing to allow ease of access when removing and installing the head. The square tubing will also ensure that the head will remain straight and not spin just like it should be. When it is removed, you will be able to place the specially designed pad that fits flush with top of the horse into same rectangular tubing. The saddle that had been used in the past was not very comfortable for our client, because of the braces he had to wear. The saddle has been re-designed with modifications like removing the traditional back support to allow for maximum comfort, safety, and functionality, like the saddle previously used at Mana Hanna riding stables. The stirrups can also easily be adjustable with buckles just like the real thing. This will allow the saddle to be adjusted to our client as he grows.