Katie, a 24-year-old Appaloosa mare, is a patient and sweet therapy horse.

WE'D LOVE TO OWN ... KATIE

Particulars: 1986 unregistered Appaloosa, 15.1 hands

Owned by: Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) in Longmont, Colorado

Working gal: As a therapy horse, Katie carries seven different riders each week and is handled by at least 20 different volunteers. "Some horses-Katie's one of them-when they learn what they're doing, love their job. She just gets it," says Mary Mitten, program coordinator at CTRC. "Some people think her job is easy because she's just walking around, but so many different riders and handlers can wear on horses that thrive on consistency."

Patience is her virtue: Able to carry beginners and independent riders with ease, Katie is eternally patient when riders give her mixed signals or sit off-balance. "A rider might pull back while the leader is still asking Katie to go forward, but she doesn't get frustrated with them," Mary smiles. "It's something that you can't really train, it has to be in them." She's also one of the go-to horses for the center's most nervous riders, because she never lets their nerves transfer over to her performance.

Old pro: A natural fit for CTRC, Katie came from a dude ranch in Estes Park, Colorado, where she spent over a decade taking guests on trail rides. Not able to keep working up and down steep hills in the mountains, Katie is kept sound and happy working in CTRC's indoor and outdoor arenas. When workers at the center went to look at horses for donation at the dude ranch, they first passed up Katie in search of a bulkier horse. "But she was so sweet and easy and great in hand, we had to take her."

Always listening: Katie's foxy ears, small and turned in at the tips, sometimes give the impression that she'sangry or upset. That's not the case, though, as she is just listening closely to her rider's and leader's cues.

What kind of saddle is needed by a rider who doesn't have use of her legs? Or what if she has no legs at all? That question is becoming a frequent one as more and more para-equestrians take up the reins to ride, whether at the grass-roots or international level, creating a growing need for tack that compensates for their disabilities.

The para-dressage discipline for equestrians with physical disabilities is mushrooming across the United States, says Hope Hand, former paralympian and executive director of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and chair of the U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) Para-Dressage Committee. While the USPEA has been operative for only a few years, evolving from a Facebook account, it has recently been affiliated with the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF). A big catalyst for the sport was the May 2009 three-star qualifier for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) hosted by USPEA at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. This event brought positive exposure as U.S. para-dressage riders competed with those from Mexico, Canada and Ireland for one of 80 slots at WEG.

According to Lynn Seidemann, a paralympian and chair of the Para-Equestrian High Performance Eligible Athletic Performance Committee, "Just since the 2008 Olympics, we've done more in the U.S." In fact, USPEA has doubled in size.

"In other countries, para-equestrianism has been popular far longer," says Keith Newerla, 2004 grand champion at the National Para-Equestrian Trials. "People have become more aware, and the saddlers have embraced it."

There are five classifications for para-equestrians. The lower grades--Grades Ia (walk only) and Ib (walk/trot) and Grade II are for those with the most severe disabilities.

"How Grades are assigned may seem complicated to the uninitiated, but the logic is to create a level playing field based on what muscles are used to accomplish a movement, rather than riding skill," says Newerla. "Everybody who has been riding for some time has different needs requiring creativity on the part of just about everyone involved, especially saddle fitters."

For stability, Trabert holds leather straps that run from the back of the saddle under her thighs and through a ring in the front. When she pulls, she gets pressure on her hips. She can release the strap and easily come off, which is important in an emergency. The lower strap gives her support if the horse jumps sideways.

© Julia Rau

Many would-be para-riders require adaptive equipment--aids that compensate as far as possible for what the rider is lacking or unable to use--though there are exceptions (see "Approving Adaptive Tack" at the end of this article). Paralyzed from the waist down, Hand is a Grade Ib rider. She placed sixth at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics where she only used a little strap across the pommel, two whips and rubber bands on the stirrups.

Grades III and IV include those who are able to walk without support. They often ride with regular saddles that may or may not have minor adaptations.

Newerla has cerebral palsy that affects his entire body. His core and lower back are weak and the muscles in his legs are tight. His saddle is a German Sommer, adapted for him by saddler Marty Haist of Horse of Course in Claremore, Okla. The saddle has been tweaked several times, a common occurrence for para-riders. Newerla calls Haist "extremely cooperative." They run into each other several times a year at shows, where Newerla leaves the saddle for adjustments. Haist does the work and returns it to him.

Haist chose the Sommer for Newerla because it has a single flap, one piece of leather and no sweat flap, allowing Haist to easily remove it to customize the back block. "It has a pretty large exterior block in front of the leg, which works like a thigh block and that helps a lot," says Haist. Because Newerla does not have complete control of his legs, and keeping them in one spot is difficult, Haist added a second block, "kind of like a baseball that sits behind his thigh."

Haist also put what he calls a non-moveable metal bucking strap on the front of the saddle. "I can use my arms to hold on and go with the horse during transitions," says Newerla. Because Newerla can post, Haist moved the strap toward the withers to give him more space.

Decade after decade the elegant final journey through winding roads of Arlington National Cemetery has been the last service the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) has given its comrades in arms. But from May 12 to June 2, 2006, they have helped wounded warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan improve their balance, coordination and hone other valuable physical therapy skills.

Using the "soldiers helping soldiers" concept, volunteers from the Caisson Platoon, based in Fort Meyer, Va., were trained as horse leaders and side walkers. In addition, the horses hand-picked for the program also received special training.

Four sessions were held over the three weeks. The initial session was used to evaluate each rider's skill set and to establish a baseline. The following sessions progressively challenged the riders, increasing the difficulty of the tasks. From working with the horse at the halt to competing in relay races and barrel racing at the trot, each rider was encouraged to improve during each session.

An occupational therapist from Walter Reed Army Medical Center measured each amputee's capabilities in specific areas prior to and following each ride. The therapist noted that adjusting to the motion of the horse helps with core strengthening of the lower back and hips while taking pressure and pain off the end of amputated limbs. Each rider found a whole new center of balance and a whole new sense of control.

"I like the fact of having the Army taking care of its own," said wounded soldier SPC Max Ramsey. "That makes a big difference, and it enhances camaraderie not just with other soldiers, but with the horse, which is a dynamic that few get to enjoy, even with two good legs and arms. And getting out of the clinical hospital environment, outside, is good for any person's well being."

As COL Bob Pricone, commander of The Old Guard said, "It's all about soldiers helping soldiers."

For more information on the program, see the August 2006 issue of EQUUS magazine.

Plus, give magazine gift subscriptions to active duty military men and women as a "thank you" for their service through our new Subscriptions for Soldiers program at www.subs4soldiers.com/equine.

From standing stud as a youngster in Germany, to winning a gold medal in USDF grand prix competition in Florida, to his current career as a therapy horse at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc., in Connecticut, Greco has proven that he knows how to make the most out of his life, while enhancing the lives of others.

This talented 21-year-old Oldenburg gelding climbed the ladder of fame in competitive dressage, to greet a fortune rich not only in applause and medals, but also in opportunity. At age 18, Greco was ready to give his hocks a break and leave the grandstands behind to take on a new challenge--that of working with riders with disabilities.

On the Trails
Within days of his arrival at High Hopes, Greco passed all therapy horse prerequisite tests with flying colors. He transitioned easily into the program. Instead of going on trail rides to break the flow of steady training in the dressage arena, he was hoofin' it through the sensory trails to give riders access to activities, such as riding through a noodle forest of packing foam. In this activity, riders feel the light touch and momentary rub of layers of shoulder length noodles designed to decrease tactile sensitivity, improve body awareness and regulate stimulation.

In the Arena

In the setting of an arena, Greco uses his athleticism, attentiveness and sensitivity to adhere to the needs of riders with disabilities. One of his regular clients, Peter, is 82 years old and had a stroke that, among other symptoms, left him weak on one side of his body.

The relationship between horse and rider in dressage is that of precision, strength and balance, juxtaposed by unequivocal communication and awareness of surroundings. It is a relationship marked by reciprocity. This unique form of give and take reflects how therapeutic riding can improve the quality of life for both people with disabilities and horses.

Peter riding Greco

Photo courtesy of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

For more information about therapeutic riding or a second career for your dressage horse, call High Hopes at 860-434-1974 or visit the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) website at www.narha.org.

Katie Guernsey is an Advanced level NARHA Instructor. Her background includes working as the Training and Education Coordinator at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, freelance writing and teaching chemistry and English. In addition, she has worked as an assistant to a lion researcher in Africa and as a sport horse trainer and exerciser in Ireland. She has competed in dressage and hunt seat. Katie is a graduate of the Kentucky Horseshoeing School and has a part-time farrier business. She also holds a bachelor of arts in English and pre-veterinary studies from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.

Pegasus is a constellation situated to the north of the Urn of Aquarius and the eastern fish of the constellation Pisces. The Greeks called the constellation Hippos, though sometimes Hippos Ieros (the divine horse). The Winged Horse or Pegasus symbolizes heightened power of the natural forces.

The simple joy of watching a child ride a horse takes on a deeper meaning for Fello family of Hyde Park, Pennsylvania. And whether it's medical, natural, or spiritual, the power of healing - by way of horseback riding - is special.

As Mary Ann and David Fello of Hyde Park, Pennsylvania watch their 10-year-old daughter Kaylee's face light up, Kaylee leans into Honey and brushes her with a light kiss and a tender hand. Once Kaylee's helmet is secured, her session begins. But Kaylee`s session is no ordinary riding lesson. It is therapeutic riding, combining a physical workout with the emotional bonding between a child and a gentle horse whose movments benefit Kaylee's impaired muscles.

Kaylee has had cerebral palsy (which is not a disease, but a physical disability) since birth. "Cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" to the lack of motor control. Although it is not curable in the accepted sense, an individual with cerebral palsy often responds to training and therapies.

"The first time I really noticed how much therapeutic riding helps was at church," says Mary Ann. "I looked over and Kaylee was sitting up in the pew: I thought to myself. Wow, that really does work!" "In all of her 10 years of therapy for cerebral palsy the quickest response was from horseback riding," says Mary Ann.

Mike Kaufmann, Director of Education and Communication for the North American Riding for the Handicap Association says the results that are a huge motivator. "It makes a profound impact on someone's life," he says.

Since May, Kaylee has been attending the therapeutic riding ranch, Harts to Horses in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, three times a week. If "healing" or "curable" can be measured in progression of enjoying life, this place is an important part of that process.

Harts to Horses is situated on 100 acres and next to the Kiskiminetas River. As you enter the driveway, three amiable and beautiful labrador retrievers, Max, Dusty, and Petey (they are a favorite among the children), two small goats, and a lamb are the welcoming committee. A barn (which, according to my wife, is cleaner than our cellar) is the home of seven special horses, Honey, Lady, Bambi (my favorite), Ledo, Duke, ZB, and Cheyene. They provide the magic, while ranch owners, Cindy and Eric Hartman work hard to provide the results.

The North American Riding for the Handicap Association says for individuals with disabilities, therapeutic riding has been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, and motor development as well as emotional well being.

Beyond the medical aspect of riding is the freedom and self-confidence that is gained by riding outdoors. "It's so peaceful at Harts to Horses," says Mary Ann. " There's something special about the place -- it's quiet and calming."

Fello says she is amazed to watch the work transform into a labor of love with results.

"If she could, she would ride everyday," says Fello. "Kaylee has a bond with Honey (her favorite horse) and I think, Honey also loves her."

"Kaylee sees it more as fun than work," says her therapist, Kelly Mallon of Neurology Therapy Specialists of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. "I've been treating Kaylee for one year. It has improved her trunk control, sitting, and balance. And anything that gets the child self-motivated, ultimately has the best results."

Therapeutic horseback riding involves one of two important elements: recreational therapy or hippotherapy.

The goal in recreational therapy is to teach how to ride. "Along the way a lot of neat stuff can happen," says Kaufmann of NARHA. "If someone is removed from a wheelchair and placed on a horse, it takes them out of themselves. It helps the whole body to be something entirely different."

Hippotherapy - the use of the movement of a horse as a treatment tool - primarily is done with a licensed occupational, physical, or speech therapist as a medical therapy. It involves having the movement of the horse benefit the person's muscles.

Riding a horse approximates a normal walking gait in the pelvic, trunk, and upper body area of a person. This rhythm can be very stimulating to the muscles as well as the brain, Kaufamnn explains.

According to Carolyn M. Gatty, Assistant Professor in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program at Chatham College, Pennsylvania, the physical benefits of therapeutic riding include gains in balance, posture, and mobility.

Muscle spasticity and paralysis make walking difficult or impossible for some individuals, Gatty says. A person's gait is similar to that of a horse; therefore, many riders are able to experience this type of normal movement for the first time while on a horse.

Exercise equipment, traditionally working only one muscle group at a time, cannot produce body movements in a natural, rhythmical, and progressive manner.

Horseback riding is only a small part of an individual's therapy. Therapy also a caring step-by-step process, which includes the brushing, caring, and bonding to the horse.

"The first time we were at Cindy`s ranch we were kind of excited, but afraid to get our hopes up," says Fello. Kaylee had never been around large animals. She was even apprehensive near large dogs. "But Cindy talked to us for awhile, then took us to see and pet the horses. Kaylee even brushed Honey."

The benefits of this outdoor activity -- be it physical, spiritual, or mental -- can't be duplicated by any machine or experienced in any man-made environment.

"You are one with the horse. It's the life of your body that goes as energy through the horse's body, then down through the legs and back up again -- you've become one" -- Rebecca Lewis, MD.

	Lynn Seidemann and Hershey © Patricia Lasko

1. Keep yourself as physically fit as possible. This will help you to imitate able-bodied riders more easily. You need to sit straight, for example. I have feeling from my belly button up, so I try to get the most out of what I've got. The better I sit straight, the better my horse goes because less weight is on his back, and I am able to push him more forward.
2. Develop a good position. Just like the able-bodied riders, you just have to start with right position. Then everything comes easier.
3. Keep your extra equipment as simple as possible. The best equipment helps you stay steady on the horse and also is useable on other saddles. One thing that really helps me--and is particularly good for paraplegics--is a surcingle with two hand grips that I can put around any saddle that fits my horse.
4. Avoid chaffing. Any rider can get sores from rubbing against the saddle. Try to get the most comfortable saddle you can--one that fits the horse and you. Good equipment for special-needs riders is not a luxury. I use a Wintec saddle because it is light to handle.
5. Don't be afraid of the horse going faster. In therapeutic riding, I was always at a slow pace. To become a competitive rider I had to learn how to push my horse more forward and create impulsion. To get a horse's back to come up under you requires more movement from him. When the back comes up, it is more comfortable, you sit better and you stop bouncing. Before, I never wanted to let my horse's head go because I was afraid he would take off at the canter. Now I am not afraid because, if he takes off in the canter, it means we got even more impulsion.
6. Feel what the horse is doing. Begin to develop feel and a good seat by sitting just on a blanket over the horse's back so you can feel his motion. Then move to a saddle with a surcingle or whatever you need.
7. The best horse to learn on is one with a quiet, forgiving temperament and a wide barrel, which helps you to balance in the center of the horse.
8. Begin riding at a good therapy barn if you've never ridden before. It's great to be outdoors doing your therapy. If you know horses already and rode before you became disabled, you might not need to start at a therapy barn. Try a regular barn instead and ask them to assist you.
9. To be competitive, disabled riders--like able-bodied riders--need sponsorship. It would be nice to have sponsors for disabled riders, too. They have all the same exact issues as the able-bodied riders, including finances.
10. Find the right instructor. If the first person doesn't work out, keep looking. Keep following though. Be persistent.
11. You have to find the right horse, especially when you're just getting started. You can't start off with a 5-year-old. I think the horse has made a big difference in the way I have progressed.
12. Enjoy your time on top of the horse. I now can go on trail rides and not worry. It's like I have four legs when I'm walking through the woods. That's just incredible. For me to go walking through the woods or through the pasture is the biggest deal. I couldn't have done that without a horse.

    To read more about Lynn Seidemann and dressage competitions for disabled riders, check out the January 2003 issue of Dressage Today magazine. For more information about national and international competition opportunities and training for riders with physical disabilities, visit the National Disability Sports Alliance Web site at www.ndsaequestrian.org.

Adaptive Riding Institute
The Adaptive Riding Institute offers an opportunity for the disabled rider to break away from the arena and head out to the trails.

Golden Dreams
In addition to riding lessons, Golden Dreams in Loudoun County, Va., offers special needs programs for regional schools and awareness programs for schools and the community at large.

Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
This website explains what therapeutic riding means and how if benefits people with both emotional and physical disabilities.

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation
Located in Leesburg, Va., this therapeutic riding foundation holds classes at Morvern Equestrian Center and organizes many events throughout the year.

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
All you need to know about riding for the handicapped -- listings of therapeutic riding centers, how you can volunteer and more. Also includes articles on how riding may benefit riders with certain disabilities.

Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program
This NARHA-accredited program in Northern Virginia provides non-competitive riding instruction for riders with disabilities.

Personal Ponies
A unique non-profit organization dedicated to providing disabled children with a Miniature Shetland Pony to love and care for completely without charge. Find out about the Partners Program and how you can help.

St. Andrews Presbyterian College
St. Andrews, a liberal arts college in North Carolina, offers a bachelor of arts degree in therapeutic riding that is supported by the NARHA.

SIRE
With two locations in the Houston area, SIRE (Self Improvement through Riding Education) aims to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding and related activities.

Therapeutic Riding of Tuscon
TROT, located in Tuscon, Ariz., gives therapeutic riding lessons to more than 100 riders per week.

I saw a child, no legs below,
sit on a horse and make it go
through woods of green
and places he had never been
to sit and stare, except from a chair.

I saw a child who couldn't crawl
mount a horse and sit up tall.
Put it through degrees of paces
and laugh at the wonder in our faces.

I saw a child born into strife,
Take up and hold the reins of life
and that same child, I heard him say
Thank God for showing me the way...

--John Anthony Davies

Our family is graced with the presence of a lovely, happy little girl named Abigail Rose. She is my only niece, my sister's daughter, and she has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Abigail never crawled and although she could stand with help, she never made the effort to put one foot in front of the other till she was two and a half. She can now walk, but her balance isn't good and it took her a long time to learn to turn without falling over.

Since the diagnosis, my sister, who has been on an emotional roller coaster, and I have had a number of transatlantic telephone conversations in which we discussed how Abigail might benefit from therapeutic riding.

Riding therapy can be helpful to physically challenged children and adults in a number of ways. People who might otherwise be confined to a wheelchair ultimately gain a new independence and mobility on the back of a horse.

Therapeutic riding begins with gentle exercises performed on horseback. These exercises include such things as leaning forward to pet the horse's neck, leaning backwards to pat his rump, twisting left and right in the saddle. Each rider is assisted by "walkers" who make sure that he remains secure in the saddle while performing the exercises. The rhythmic movement of the horses walk can stimulate nerves and the exercises increase mobility.

Riders who start out completely dependent on helpers may eventually become independent and be able to go places and do things on the back of a horse that they could not otherwise do and even participate in competitions. These benefits can cross over into their non-riding lives too, with an increased ability to perform daily tasks.

Mentally handicapped and emotionally disturbed individuals can also benefit from riding. The interaction with a live animal can reach psyches that may otherwise be locked away and the directions given by helpers can help riders associate words with actions.

In the United States, therapeutic riding is governed by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and in England, the governing body is the Riding for the Disabled Association, or RDA. The NARHA sponsors educational programs at institutions such as St. Andrews Presbyterian College: Department of Therapeutic Riding which offers a program to teach Therapeutic Riding Specialists.

Abigail is still a bit young to begin her therapeutic riding, but I know that when she does, she will benefit in many different ways. And who knows, she may grow up with the same deep love of horses as her Auntie Jayne!

Recipe For A Smile:

1. Patient, experienced horse (with assorted equipment)
2. 2-3 Dedicated professionals (riding instructor, occupational therapist)
3. Caring Volunteers (Horse Leader, Side walkers)
4. Human (large or small) with significant life challenge.

Mix professionals, volunteers and horse in large arena. Blend until skilled team forms.Introduce human into mixture, gently bringing expectations from simmer to boil. Add color, light, and music to taste. Sprinkle liberally with fun and love. Smile may be maintained indefinitely with regular infusions from the hearts of devoted supporters providing equipment, time, skills, and funds. Recipe may be doubled as needed.

At the invitation of a friend, I recently spent a day at one of the most unique riding programs I have ever seen. Located just outside of Greybull, Wyoming, the Body and Spirit program uses instructors and other volunteers to provide mentally and physically challenged individuals with an opportunity to increase their life skills, through interaction with horses.

As soon as the riders started arriving, I could see the truth in that famous quote: "There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man." Or woman or child. . . .

Sandy McFadden, owner of the McFadden Ranch, started Body and Spirit in 1998. She and Cindy Hinkley established the program, first receiving certification through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NAHRA). Sandy also has a John Lyons Trainer's Certification.

Body and Spirit has two programs: HIPPO (Greek for horse) THERAPY, in which the horse influences the rider, and THERAPEUTIC RIDING, in which the rider influences the horse.

Safety is paramount. Riders wear helmets. A horse leader is in total control of the horse at all times. Side walkers on both sides of the horse steady the rider in the saddle. The instructor is in charge of the lesson and explains the maneuvers to be practiced.

The first client of the day is Brian, who has Down's Syndrome. I introduce myself and ask Brian's permission to watch the lesson, take notes, and photographs. Nothing shy at all about Brian. He gives me a smile as big as Texas, and says, "Sure"!

As Chanda (Horse Leader), Cindy (Side Walker) and Priscilla (Volunteer) assist, Brian first grooms his mount, Duke, and assists with tacking up, identifying the different parts of a saddle and bridle.

Mounted on Duke, Brian is steadied by side walkers, and the lesson begins. Sandy instructs Brian on several tasks meant to improve Brian's balance. As they prepare to start, Sandy asks Brian what he should say. "Walk on please," Brian politely commands Duke. As the team walks around the indoor arena, I'm amazed at the concentration on Brian's face. This is no ride in the park for him. He not only must use his muscle coordination to balance on his mount, but also his memory of previous lessons, from brushing his horse, to naming the tack used, and repeating maneuvers under saddle. At the end of the lesson, Brian gives a "high five" to everyone, including me. My eyes are misting. I blame it on the sun.

The next client is Mike. Mike is seven years old, and has cerebral palsy. This time, Cindy, an occupational therapist, is the instructor. Mike practices putting plastic rings on a post. When I first saw Mike come into the arena, I could see how tense he was, but as soon as he was mounted on Duke, he relaxed. I could see a transformation, somewhat unexplainable to me. But, just like Brian, there is that grin.

The third lesson of the day is with Penny, who has cerebral palsy and limited vision. As I talk with Penny, I get that big smile. Smiles seem to be contagious here, and Cindy, Sandy and DaNae seem to be having as much fun as their students.

Next is Brooke, another cerebral palsy child, mounted on Hollywood. Brooke has been coming to Body and Spirit for almost four years, and her mother says she can see marked improvement in Brooke's coordination and attitude.

Like Brian, Mike, Penny and Brooke, clients come to Body and Spirit from all over the Big Horn Basin area of Wyoming. Those that can afford to pay something, do, and anonymous donors contribute funds for those without the means. The horses and most of the tack have been donated by local residents.

On the wall of the arena is posted a sign that no doubt has special meaning for the clients when they first enter the program: "Courage is Being Scared to Death but Saddling Up Anyway." -- John Wayne

For more information on Body and Spirit, contact Sandy McFadden, McFadden Ranch, 2480 Lane 30 ½, Greybull, WY 82426. Phone 307-765-9684.

In March 1998, after graduating from Camelot, I leased Kenos Tomy Tutone, a Paint gelding. Five days a week Dial-a-Ride dropped me off at the stable; I unlocked the tack room (except the day someone put the combination lock on backward--I figured out the problem but couldn't get the numbers to work in reverse), groomed and tacked up, and, using my cane, led Tomy to the round pen.

I couldn't get lost there; if I fell off, all I'd have to do was walk until I bumped into the fence, then follow that to the gate where Tomy would be waiting. A dressage whip in my outside hand let me know where the rail was, and riding bareback for six months helped me feel everything going on underneath me.

Through a "personals" ad in a local horse publication, I met my boyfriend, Ralph Carr, in October 1998. He became my coach at horse shows, directing me through arena traffic by radio transmitter. (My receiver was discretely tucked into my cleavage, with a wire to the speaker in my ear.) He tells me what other riders' eyes tell them-that there's a horse blowing up ahead, that I need to pass someone, that we're coming off the rail . . . He has to be very precise, saying not just "move left" but how far and at what angle.

Some people think the radio gives me an unfair advantage-but, believe me, there's nothing anyone could tell me (or have time to tell me) that would do that. If I don't do my homework and learn to feel and react to what my horse is doing underneath me, I'm not going to win the class.

I first showed as a blind rider in December 1998, in a walk/trot class in a huge arena. There were only three of us. The other two riders, both sighted, collided; I won the class by default!

In 1999, Tomy and I earned year-end high-point awards in three different local show circuits and placed in equitation at the Pinto National Championships. But I didn't want anyone to think I was winning only because I had a push-button horse. So in September 1999 I bought Sugarplum Vision (Zoe), an unbroken three-year-old hunter type Pinto/Paint filly--despite a top trainer's warning that for a blind rider, such a green horse was a "death warrant." (Other people tend to think I need a horse that's one step away from the glue factory. But I want to show in equitation on the flat, hunter under saddle, and hunter hack--which means I need a horse who's quiet and sensible but has a keen mind and can perform!)

One way I determine how safe I feel with a horse is to unexpectedly open an umbrella in the animal's face. Green as she was, Zoe let me pop the umbrella and twirl it around her. She has no idea I'm blind, but her relaxed, forgiving, trusting nature makes her an ideal mount for me.

This article was originally published in the February 2001 issue of Practical Horseman magazine.