Click Here to see a video clip of Cory helping me on taken recently.
Great news...Cory has won an International Recognition Award given by the Arabian Horse Association. He is one of only 6 horses to get this wonderful award. It is for an outstanding feat performed outside of the show-ring. What a dear fellow he is to help me so much. He is truly a hero among horses and I feel so fortunate to be the one to ride, love him and share his gentle life with him. Thank you Cory, Francine and Malen, Brandi, Karen and the AHA for all your help, kindness and support.
Cory is my angel and guardian. We have ridden together for over 8 years and I have yet to fall off. We have traveled more than 3,000 miles during that time, seeing everything from rattlesnakes, deer, jet-skiis, motorcycles coming right at us and even a man shooting off bottle rockets with his pit-bull. Since I cannot dismount in the face of danger, from the moment he lies down to help me on, my life is completely in his hands and he has never let me down - literally - in the 8 years he has hauled me around on the beautiful trails, he has never let me fall off. He is my best friend and my mentor. It isn't that I have taught him much in these many years, but he has taught me everything. Words cannot express what you mean to me. Thank you Cory.
Notice how sweet he is about letting me bridle him...I did not train him to do this, he just does it. Also notice how relaxed he is lying down and how I ask him to get up and he takes a few minutes to scratch an important itch on his foot first. He has so much dear personality and is such a wonderful friend. The gal trotting him around at the end is my dear friend Karen, she wanted to ride him when we were done filming. Please note that I am not a physical therapist or handicapped riding facility and I do not recommend that anyone else attempt this, I am only showing you this to illustrate the point that almost anyone can ride and/or handle horses if they have the desire. It also helps to have a calm manner, a sense of humor and some knowledge of horses. Where there is a will there is a way. I lead, wash, load and worm all the horses off a motorized 4 wheeler. Horses are such a wonderful asset to your life and can be such kind, willing and helpful souls...if there is any way I can help you to experience this joy, I will. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have. Thank you for your time.
Cory, Karen, Francine and I will be going to the "Arabian Horse Celebration" from August 6-8 at The National Western Complex in Denver Colorado. It is a 3 day extravaganza featuring Walter Farley's Black Stallion, many dressage demonstrations, bridleless demonstrations, John Lyons will be on hand in the round pen, handicapped rider demonstrations (me), fast action western demonstrations (Maybe Cory will be pepped up that day and we can do these also... LOL) Also the Denver Bronco's Mascot "Thunder" will be doing his thing. Come on by for the fun. Contact me for more info.
Me and Bran on Dolly and
Sunshine, Dolly is smiling for the camera
Don't believe any of the bad things you hear about arabians - some of my best beginners horses are arabians. They have an amazing sensitivity, and an uncanny ability to take care of you and do the right thing in a tight situation. Their heart is as big as their kind eye, and if you treat them with the love and respect they deserve, you will get it back in twofold. Cory owns a large part of my heart and always will. Thank you Cory.
Malen and Dolly It takes lots of love and carrots!
A BIG thank you to Francine Dismukes and Malen Dell for their patience and training skills and for giving me the gift of freedom and joy...and to Brandi for all her help and the bright light that she brings to the room. A couple more thank you's to Kira, my adorable, precious daughter... thank you for sharing your time with the horses; most especially thank you to Karen for all of your friendship and support throughout these many years, I don't tell you enough how much I love you all. I can't even begin to count the laughs we've had, can you?
Cory and Dolly were both trained by Francine Dismukes and Malen Dell to lie down so I can get on and go. This does not hurt Cory or Dolly in any way and they are not the least bit bothered by it. I owe you BIG.
Me, Dave, Bran and Karen at Parrie Haynes Ready to ride
Judy, Me, Bran and Karen at PH- lovely day! Lots of fun! Karen and Lass by the 2nd oldest oak tree around these parts
Cory getting up at PH - pic by Dave Me very happy to BE up - thank you my friend.
Dolly lying down at PH for the 1st time. Linda, Karen and Me at Parrie Haynes
Karen and Lass Me and Doll at PH