Riding High

By Cari Watrous,
Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities

In 1994 I wrote a brief article for Tapping Technology about my love of horses and my progress in therapeutic riding post brain injury. Back then I had just competed in my first horse show (3 blue ribbons from 3 classes) and was enjoying the physical benefits of increased balance and stamina. I've been riding most of the 9 years since then and now see therapeutic riding providing benefits in my cognitive, emotional and physical functioning.

In March 2000 I fell in love with a gorgeous chestnut Belgian/quarter horse cross. He made me want to ride more than anything had in years and that meant a new approach to an old skill. I had to organize, create a "map" of where I was, where I wanted to go and how was I going to get there. This was a new kind of thinking for me -task analysis, time projections, skill set analysis - what skill did I need to learn to do something vs. what skills did I bring, how could they be best combined, how long would learning take.

It was complicated but with some trial and error and assistance from my riding instructor, I've been knocking down my goals like pins in a bowling alley. The analytical skills help at work and at play. Emotionally, riding makes me happier than anything else. When I accomplish a goal, attain a building block toward my next goal I take pride not only in the physical accomplishment but in the cognitive skills I used to get there.

*Note - Below is the original article published in 1994, which describes Cari Watrous's first experiences with the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program.


A Winner is a Winner is a Winner...

Originally published in the December 1994 issue of Tapping Technology

Horseback riding has been my passion and a great part of my life since I began at two years of age. I owned my first horse when I was six. When I finally outgrew my dream of being a jockey, I moved on to giving lessons and training horses. Riding was an integral part of my self-identity.

In January, 1988, I became disabled after contracting viral encephalitis, a virus which attacks the central nervous system. Shortly after beginning rehabilitation, I was unable to focus my eyes, walk or even speak. Several weeks into my daily physical therapy (PT) regimen, I finally asked my neurologist the question that had been haunting me. When could I ride again? It was only question I ever asked him, and his response was definitive and unwelcome -- I'd never ride again. I should consider myself lucky if I could ever walk.

In March, 1992, I started riding lessons with the Carroll County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program. On October 29, 1994, urged by the program, I entered three classes at a local horse show for riders with disabilities. To my great surprise, and even greater pleasure, I won all three classes. Actually, I have to say "we won", the program and I. Without the guidance, support and faith of my instructors, Bob, Mary, Karen, Caroline and Ann, I still wouldn't be riding. I owe them all a huge debt of gratitude. I also owe one to my husband, Jim Buckly, who inspired me to make the initial contact with the program. His love and support brighten my every day.

This program has been a godsend to me in a number of ways. Not only have I regained some of my lost riding skills, participating with the Carroll County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program has given me back an integral part of my identity. My muscles are stronger, I have increased balance, stamina and self-esteem, and it has helped me to remember that there is always room for hope. The medical community doesn't know everything about disabilities and the methods available to adapt activities for people with disabilities. Sometimes, you have to have faith in yourself. With that, who knows? Maybe anything is possible.