Inspiration

There is no way I could do this stuff without the inspiration of other people. Without the internet, on days when things seem very bleak, I would have very little in the way of resources to bolster my spirits. I do not know any other disabled people in 'real' life, but many online. Their stories and words of encouragement keep me going when sometimes I'd rather just give up, become a couch potato, and just let life happen to me. I have wonderful people in my life, don't get me wrong, but there are times when I really really need to see that there are others out there 'like me' who are disabled and have found a way to lead a fulfilling life. If there ever was a time to be disabled, it is now, with the internet and a way to find others and give and receive support and ideas.

There are SO many amazing disabled people who blow my mind! For horseback riding, just Google "paralympic equestrians" and you will find numerous riders with all sorts of disabilities competing at the upper levels of equestrian disciplines. Seriously, how does this woman do this? She is amazing:



Another horse person that inspires me is Michael Richardson. He is a horse trainer and motivational speaker who is a paraplegic. This video keeps me going when I feel like there is nothing more I can do with my riding:



Here is another horseman, Nick Smith, who is a quadriplegic and rides, explaining his adapted saddle:



Nick has a ton of videos on YouTube, including one of him helping another young quadriplegic to ride again.


Of course, not all of life has to do with horses, even for those of us who own, train, and ride horses. I don't always have a positive attitude, life can be a real drag at times, and I need to get a kick in the butt to get going again. This video is one hell of a kick in the butt (sorry I can't embed it):

Jon Morrow


The interviewer, Johnny Truant, also has a blog where he wrote this on how everyone is disabled. Definitely worth the read to get some perspective, and yes, another kick in the butt.


I only recently began reading reading books about disabled people. The first one I picked up, probably the most wonderful, inspiring, and thought provoking book I have ever read, is John Hockenberry's "Moving Violations". You can get a used copy for like $4.00. The best $4.00 you will ever spend. I am sure I will be re-reading my copy in the future, the next time with a highlighter! This book should be mandatory reading for anyone with a disability. The scope of this book is huge, and oddly enough, it begins and ends with a horseback ride. Well, a donkeyback ride, but riding nonetheless!