Growing up in Yellow Springs, The Riding Centre was my second home.  We learned responsibility, hard work, how to make lifelong friends, how to make and reach goals, and we were blessed with great horses. The therapeutic program began during our college years and we volunteered in any way possible and frankly found it so rewarding.

Fast forward to 2023, and I now find myself full circle as a rider in the therapeutic program as a result of primary progressive MS. Some reflections on my lessons:

Lesson 1:  I have not washed my hands; I trotted three times (little bits) and cried along with Susie (my lifelong friend, pt therapist and my weak-side volunteer). It was amazing. My muscle memory really did kick in. It was fantastic to work with my childhood friends. Carloyn, another lifelong friend is now my instructor, and was one of the first to be trained as an instructor in U.S. therapeutic programs in North America.   They made my dream come true. I may have MS, but it doesn’t have me!

Lesson three ride: Adriene and Susan and Chessie made it happen and since it was so hot we went on a trail ride. Adriene’s niece was kind enough to lead. Twenty years since I saw the bike path at that height. Twenty years to test my muscle memory which is coming back stronger each week. 

Lesson 4:  Last night we concentrated on posting trot. It is fascinating how something I took for granted now has to be relearned and honed to a body that doesn’t act like it used to. 

I got to ride unaided, and also dropped stirrups with a safety net😉

Lesson 5:  Adriene  and Susan, you made a dream come true tonight. They offered me the chance to ride a dressage test today, something I haven’t done in twenty years. Sure, not quite the same, I’m compromised after all. However for me, it was everything. 

This program is where the real miracles happen. From riding boots and back! Thank you for helping my dreams come true.