Shira Goes Riding

Shira was turned down as a good candidate by the Cowichan and Vancouver Island Riding For The Disabled Associations. Their policies and candidate requirements are very limited here and don't serve the majority of disabled people. Upon further investigation I interviewed more people turned down by the Associations than those that get to ride. Purely psychological reasons for riding and the joy of riding are not criteria to be accepted into the program. Sometimes these programs are more of an ego boost for the people that run them than they are programs for the disabled and what it can mean for the person riding. Luckily I can ride and have researched enough so that my wife and I could take Shira riding and give her the joy and experience of riding horses. During Shira's ride she didn't stop saying, "Yeehaw, Yahoo" and when the ride was finished she exclaimed, "I Win!" You win Shira you munchkin and Sammy you are a great big brother and good rider!!

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• Muscular Dystrophy

[princessnerdfighter]

In California we have an organization called Halleck Creek Ranch for people with disabilities. I've worked there for 6 years and it is amazing for me to see the great strides the riders can take in the physical, vocal, and emotional aspects of their life because of riding. I would highly recommend not giving up on the process of finding beautiful Shira a place to ride. It would be worth it in the long run. I'm very sorry your local riding association turned her down. Best wishes!

[PauleQueenie]

I was wondering as I watch Shira riding the horse. The lack of head control makes it difficult for her to be left on her own sitting on the horseback. Have you thought perhaps in adapting a saddle for her, where the back of the saddle would have a back and head support, light enough for the horse to tolerate it and strong enough to keep Shira upward. Think" Ikea" where people can assemble their own furniture, similar principle

[Mikysani]

You are certainly correct about these types of organisations. My experience has with 2 disabled children has also been that many of the people that run them are in them for another agenda other than helping these wonderful children. ThankGod you are willing to fight for your daughter and find a way around this. I have watched many of your posts and can only say your whole family is wonderful. God bless Shira,

If she does not deserve this, tell me, who would?