My first lesson was very, very scary. I had my eyes closed most of the time and I prayed a lot. I had my doubts as to whether I would be back for another lesson and I think everyone else did, too. After this first lesson, I did a lot of crying. I called my doctor and kept sobbing, "I’m so scared... I’m so scared...!" Dr. Bump’s response over and over was "Chris, get on the horse... Chris, get on the horse..." After our phone conversation I decided that if I did go back and fall off the horse, at least I knew I had tried and didn’t give up.

Well, I did go back again, and I was able to get a ride to Winslow each and every week. One particular lesson I remember very vividly. It was very enjoyable. I must have been on the right spot on the horse’s back because I seemed to be more at ease and moving with the flow of the horse’s walk. I usually hunch over when I sit normally. The mirrors around the barn were very helpful. I could see when I was hunching and I could see when I was sitting straight. At one point I thought I was sitting up straight, but the mirror showed me differently. It felt good to sit up straight. I almost felt relaxed. For the first time, I even let go with both hands. It was awesome! I couldn’t believe that I was actually doing it. When I was able to put both hands in back of my hips—that felt good, too.

I’ve been taking these lessons for more than two years now. Yes, I am still nervous, but the lessons are more enjoyable and less tension-filled. Instead of being afraid to try new things, I am more eager to learn and want to make the most out of each lesson. I knew that my fear was decreasing when I was asked to be a demonstration rider for a conference – and it wasn’t even my lesson day!

What are the benefits of my riding?

• I have a great sense of accomplishment.
• I have been asked to give talks on several occasions to the interns who are learning to be instructors. The last time I gave a speech was when I was in college. Giving talks is evidence that my confidence and self-esteem have increased. I am grateful for that.
• I was told that when I get off my horse Woodstock, I am walking better.
• A friend of mine recently told me that I was sitting up straighter at the table.
• During one of my lessons, Bonnie, my physical therapist had me push down with my heels, alternating legs as a rode around the ring. A few days later, to my surprise, this exercise carried over during a trip to the mall. I was holding on to my husband’s arm while walking. All of a sudden I felt my hip move outward as I took a step. I’m not sure what it actually looked like since I couldn’t see, but it sure made me feel sexy! It only lasted a few minutes, but after thinking about it, I knew it was a carry-over from my therapy session.
• There have also been times when I find myself standing in my kitchen or dining room without holding on to anything. It’s an unconscious thing and then all of a sudden I will notice it. One day I bent over to pick something up on my dining room floor. The next thing I knew, my daughter asked me, "Mom, what are you doing?" I was standing in the corner of the room, raising my arms over my head and to the sides—-doing exercises just like I do on Woody—and without holding on!

These accomplishments may seem like "not a big deal" to able-bodied souls, but for me they represent moments of joy--ones that I will never forget. Taking riding lessons now gets me out of the house every week. I get fresh air and exercise. Yes, riding a horse is a lot of work. But I am with people who understand my disability. The instructors are professionals who know what they are doing. The volunteers are there because they want to help and they know the benefits that therapeutic riding can bring. They see me sit up straighter, or talk, or walk more relaxed after a lesson. They see the smiles and the everyday little miracles that happen in and out of the ring. We all share these private moments of success. Just like me and all the other Winslow riders, the volunteers keep coming because they know it works. Therapeutic horseback riding has changed our lives! I am thankful for the light that is still inside my head encouraging me to ride. And I hope it never goes out.