Reid's Story

Reid has seen a lot of improvements at ROSL since he first came to our former location to ride. ROSL has seen a lot of improvements in Reid too! But ROSL wasn't even Reid's first experience on a horse. He began riding at Therapeutic Horsemanship, in a reclined position so as not to stress his fragile health. ROSL was lucky to have a much healthier Reid come right up Highway 55 to start riding with us. I remember Reid's first riding experience on Old Baumgartner Road. He rode prone over the horse's barrel with sidewalker hands helping his trunk to stay steady on one side of the horse and more hands helping his arms and shoulders stay in position so he could work on holding his head up. We also tried him astride the horse, but his cerebral palsy made each riding session very challenging. The best way for him to ride was a puzzle for us to figure out. Finally we received a horse which could accommodate 2 riders and Reid began the tandem riding experience with the sure hands of Ms. Marita helping him to work his neck muscles to hold his head up. Over the years Reid has turned into a tall youngster who now towers over Ms. Marita's chin in tandem, and so once again, he rides astride his pony, Red Star. Not only has Reid gotten taller, but he's had other changes too. He now has a cochlear implant and is HEARING! We know how his hearing has improved by his ready responses to the people around him. He attends to our noisy environment and to the volunteers and staff talking to him. He is now vocalizing and we all love hearing those sweet sounds. Now we can both sign and talk to Reid. Reid communicates with us too, not just by vocalizing, but also through his actions. When something comical happens at the barn, he's smiling. When he's riding and it is time to come in, he lets us know that he doesn't like that idea (time for sidewalkers to HANG ON!) He has even progressed to another new position on the horse. When he rides facing Red Star's tail, he works a different set of muscles and his ability to hold his head up is much improved. We used to be so elated to have Reid hold his head for 2 or 3 seconds and now we count to 20 or 30 or 40 or more seconds. Reid is one of God's little miracles and those miracles continue to happen each time we see him. He is indeed a Rising Rider.