More than MS & Disability

We are complicated

Isn’t it easy to glance at an obviously disabled person and think that their disability is what defines them? We do this type of generalization a lot, and not just in the case of disabled people, right? I worked hard to earn my CPA license and still find that in small ways, I define myself that way. User names, material that I read, I still devote a fair portion of time to staying updated in my former career field.

I’ve long had an interest in writing. Over the years, as various demands dictated how much time was available for anything beyond working and commuting, my output has waxed and waned. As my MS progressed, purportedly I had more time to write. But along with the physical progression, another common symptom of MS-depression-refused to cut me any slack. Learning to ride horses with the unbelievable support, knowledge and training of the people who run Reins of Life, a non-profit organization in South Bend, IN became my new favorite activity. I had long been aware of horseback riding as something offered to many people with disabilities, but never lived near a facility. Trying to describe the experiences of being around these beautiful animals, guided by a well-trained staff whose jobs were to bring the many benefits of riding to people with a variety of conditions and disabilities, is not easy. I started by just being around one of the most gentle horses at Reins of Life, to being able to briefly trot while on “MY” sweet horse, Cocoa. I remember that I had questioned my instructor, Holly Byers, early in my adventure whether riding only once a week would be beneficial. She confidently said that it would, and she was correct, in so many ways. Once a week, I had an appointment with adventure, where my dedicated instructor along with several committed volunteers, enabled me to mount Cocoa and ride her safely. Sometimes we stayed inside the arena because it was so frigid outside! There were all manner of ways that Holly tested my physical abilities as well as my mental ones. Riding a large animal is challenging for a fully abled adult. With my somewhat decreased sensory perceptions, my increased physical weakness and other limitations, it’s somewhat terrifying! I would do it all over again, and in fact, I wish I could. Where I live now, there are several facilities, and I’ve briefly been in contact with them. Other factors have been at play, and yet, I so value the amazing therapy I had at Reins of Life with Holly and so many wonderful volunteers that the idea of switching teams seems traitorous. Dumb, yes. I’m determined to move past this.

There is much more to say about the tremendous benefits that I enjoyed from my time working at Reins of Life with Holly, and so many others, and I intend to do so.