Back In The Saddle

When I was eight years old I fell off a horse. All 1500 pounds stepped on my leg and broke it in 2 places. It took me over a year to get back in the saddle and many years after that to trust horses again. But even though I didn't trust them, I still loved the feeling every time I rode! Riding a horse bareback, you feel every movement as though it is your own. This was exhilarating for me. So I continued to ride until I was about 19.

My Family drove 45 minutes every week to get me on a horse. For seventeen years, it was the highlight of my week whenever possible. 

Sometime, between the first time I rode after my accident and the last time I got on a horse, I lost that fear. The regret was real when I had to stop riding. Everything was taking off with my dog training and I felt like I didn't have any time left for horseback riding. Also, the drive was so hard on my mom and dad by this time.

I can't just get on any old horse. (Trust me, that's how I broke my leg!) It has to be trained for people with disabilities. Also it has to be special. Where do you go to find a special horse? It was The SatelliteCenter for me.

The Satellite Center has trained professionals who assisted me and taught me basic riding skills. Therapeutic horseback riding is probably one of the main reasons why I have such good balance. When you ride a horse, I recommend good balance or you'll fall right off.

About a year after I had stopped riding at the Satellite Center, I went to this place around my area. It was great, and built my confidence in riding! I didn't really have a choice in the matter. The Woman in charge told me, "You have perfect balance." So she just put me on a horse and said, "Go!"

I loved it!!! But she didn't have the proper facility to accommodate my needs, so I ended up having to quit that as well. After that, I tried to get back into horses but it was never the right time. My health or my family's health - something always got in away.

Anytime I'm around livestock or any kind of farm or ranch, my heart cries out for the days I spent riding horses. Downtown San Antonio has always had horse carriage rides and some of the drivers are sweet enough to let me hang out with the horses. But as much as I love spending time with them and stuff, there's really nothing like riding! That is what I've longed for for the last 4 years. Well, my dreams finally came true. Goodness, how I've missed it.

A few months ago I met Julie, a really cool girl from Physical Therapy. This beautiful ray of sunshine is a true cowgirl! She and her sister are part of a therapeutic horseback riding organization called Hope Reins Ranch out here in Bulverde. And earlier this week they agreed to give me a lesson. To say I was excited would not be accurate. I was ecstatic!!!

According to my side walkers, Julie and her sister, I did pretty amazing for my first time back in the saddle after four years. I owe it mostly to the beautiful "Beauty"... And yes, that's her name! She seriously is the most gentle horse I've ever met. Even when I got so wobbly, all she did was stop. Driving home, I told my mom I was so excited and happy I could cry. The last time I felt this connected to an animal was with my precious Trix-C. Of course no animal could ever hold a candle to her, but Beauty came pretty close!!!