Therapeutic horseback riding has put me back in the saddle
Riding has helped me become more confident, independent, and determined
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The highlight of my week begins when I put on my helmet and wait for my turn to mount a horse.
Riding brings me joy and peace, but it has also helped me become more confident, independent, and determined. For me, riding truly is therapy.
I have loved horses since I was a little girl. I rode when I was young and spent summers at horse camp, but as my obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) became more severe, anxiety pulled me away from something I once loved.
During residential OCDÂ treatment in 2019, I was exposed to horses again as part of my therapy. Being at the barn brought up many fears, but it also rekindled my love for horses. When I returned home, I knew I wanted to keep riding.
I spent a lot of time searching online and calling therapeutic riding programs in my area, but I kept being told I was too old. Then one day, I saw a news story about the Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program and immediately thought this was where I could ride. I called, joined the waiting list, and about a year later, I finally began riding there.
When my name came up, I was excited but nervous to get back in the saddle, especially because I would be riding with very little vision. Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) has caused progressive vision loss, and I am now mostly blind. The barn also stirred up fears I had worked through during OCD treatment.
Thankfully, I was paired with Rubee, an incredible horse with whom I felt an almost instant connection. Rubee made me feel safe and comfortable from the moment I was in the saddle. Our bond felt even more meaningful because she has one eye, while I have very little vision. I felt as though she understood what it was like to face vision loss.
Back in the saddle
My first lesson was a blast, and I left it counting down the days until I could ride again.
A typical lesson begins with putting on my helmet and waiting to mount. We warm up by walking along the rail of the arena, then meet in the middle to hear what we will practice that day. We may weave through cones, use the reins, steer, or work on turning left and right.
I ride independently, while my team stays beside me and gives verbal directions so I can navigate the arena. Riding this way makes me proud.
One of my biggest milestones was the first time my horse was disconnected from the lead rope. I was nervous at first, but then I realized, I’ve got this. I am in control of my horse. I felt incredibly proud.
Another horse, VanGough, taught me persistence and determination. He could be stubborn and sometimes lowered his head while I was riding, which made me anxious. Instead of panicking as I had in the beginning, I learned to shorten my reins, stop him, and back him up. Over time, I gained more strength and control. VanGough reminded me that persistence pays off.
The benefits of riding
Therapeutic riding has strengthened my balance and coordination, but its benefits go far beyond the physical. It has helped me build trust, develop friendships, and feel part of a community.
There have been days when I arrived at the barn overwhelmed by anxiety. As I rode, I could feel myself becoming calmer. By the end of class, my anxiety had decreased. The rhythm of riding, my connection with the horse, and the focus required during a lesson help quiet everything else for a while.
The instructors and volunteers make riding possible, and they are always positive and encouraging. This past year, I especially loved riding alongside students from a local school’s special education program. Watching their confidence grow brought me so much joy.
One student was initially afraid even to be near the horses. But by the end of the semester, he was leading a horse by himself. I felt proud watching how far he had come. His experience reminded me that therapeutic riding can help people move beyond fear and discover what they are capable of doing.
My absolute favorite part of riding is getting to trot. Trotting is exhilarating, freeing, and so much fun. I also love connecting with the horses and steering independently.
Because BBS has taken away much of my vision, experiencing that freedom is especially meaningful. It reminds me that, while living with BBS is challenging, it does not define what I can do. A diagnosis or disability does not define who someone is or determine what is possible for their life.
Therapeutic riding has helped me move beyond fear and given me confidence, joy, peace, and freedom. When I leave Savannah Station after a lesson, I carry those feelings home with me — and an excitement to return and do it all again.
Note: Rare Obesity News is strictly a news and information website about these disorders. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Rare Obesity News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to rare obesity disorders.
