by Heather Wallace
Equestrian and Otherwise -This was easy for me to write but extremely difficult to share. My daughter insisted it would help others and was determined that I share her story. After all, she's that the kind of person. Cameron is special, as all children are in their own way. She is sassy, confident, and intelligent.
She also has cerebral palsy.
We don’t know when she had the stroke, or “brain bleed” as she calls it, but she was diagnosed at 18 months old. She met every developmental milestone and can do anything. The only difference is she has to work harder than others.
For those who are unfamiliar with cerebral palsy, here is an definition from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance:
“Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move. It is due to damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways and can affect body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. Although cerebral palsy is a permanent life-long condition, some of these signs of cerebral palsy can improve or worsen over time.”
There are many pediatric stroke survivors in the world, although it is rarely discussed. Cameron has never known a different life. While she may get frustrated at times, especially as she gets older, she is a fighter. Good luck to the person who tries to tell her what to do.
Therapeutic Horse Riding
When Cameron was four years old she was recommended by Early Intervention to a local therapeutic horse riding center. Special People United to Ride (SPUR) has been a source of comfort, confidence, and excitement for Cameron these last four years. We are extremely lucky that it is located so close to home.
I first brought Cameron to meet a horse when she was 18 months old. She fed the horses carrots and squealed with excitement. As an equestrian myself I knew the benefits of therapeutic riding.
I spoke with Cameron’s trainer about our goals when she started. I wanted her to have the occupational therapy and physical therapy benefits of therapeutic riding. However it was also important to learn to ride independently and handle a horse.
Therapeutic Riding Teaches My Daughter the Following:
- Balance
- Confidence
- Posture
- Core Strength
- Flexibility
- Coordination
- FUN!
Yes, Cameron has learned all of the above but she also learned more than expected. First, to ask a horse nicely but firmly. When working with horses you cannot be shy; don’t give up and don’t give in.
Second, go with the flow. It’s not easy to attend a horse show with a horse you haven’t ridden in a year, because your regular pony is sick. But as Cameron learned, you have to keep moving forward and to be okay when life present challenges.
Third, be a good sport. My daughter is gracious to the other riders, kind to her horse, and no matter which ribbon she receives she leaves with a smile on her face. Last but not least, my daughter learned to have the utmost confidence in herself. Anyone who meets my daughter says, “I would never have known she had a stroke”. We worked really hard to accomplish that goal. This is a true testament to her personality - she simply shines.
My Daughter is My Hero
I am a timid rider. Sure, I’ve come leaps and bounds over the years but my kid blows me away. She has zero fear, which is terrifying. Apparently while she likes horse shows with flat classes, she prefers to jump. I am informed that not only does she want to be a pop star, teacher, and mother but also a Grand Prix jumper. She makes a conscious decision to challenge herself and take the more difficult path. Something that I have difficulty with in my own life.
Like me, Cameron feels strongly for her animal friends. She has a favorite horse, Woody, that she is madly in love with. We all have one animal who is special to us and I’m happy she’s found that connection.
I’ve often joked that Cameron would never leave her friends and the horses at SPUR, and she agrees. She has gained skill and confidence and can certainly ride at my barn with “typical” lessons. As if she would let me. She is loyal and true. She rides there even though we recently bought a pony of our own. I am so grateful to our friends in the PATH-certified* program for all they have given us.
There are a lot of things I can learn from my daughter. While she has challenges other kids don’t, she is open, honest, and kind. My daughter is someone that I respect and admire. She is my hero, equestrian and otherwise.
*PATH INTERNATIONAL.Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), a federally-registered 501(c3) nonprofit, was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs.
PATH organizations can be found in our Therapeutic Riding section, under Equine Assisted Learning, Texas and New Mexico.
Heather Wallace, Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist (ESMT), Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCMT), and Aromatherapist
About the Writer: Heather Wallace is the writer and photographer for the blog, Bridle & Bone, which focuses on horses, dogs, and holistic wellness. In less than a year Bridle & Bone was awarded Top 100 Equestrian Blog by Feedspot, the Blogger Recognition Award, and was been nominated for the 2017 Haynet Equestrian Blogger of the Year. Heather is a certified equine and canine sports massage therapist and co-owner of New Jersey-based small business, Bridle & Bone Wellness. For more information, please visit her at www.bridleandbone.com.
