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© Hal Cook
We began to try simple trail obstacles. He loved the challenge of figuring them out! I decided to see how he would feel being ponied out on the trail, and again, he thrived from the challenge.
After two years of ground work, in-hand work, and ponying him through new environments, I decided to try what I once thought wasn’t ever going to be an option. I decided to ride Rio. Last spring, I sent him off to a trusted friend and trainer, Donald Weeks. I had been working exclusively with him for two years at that point and we had a wonderful bond, but it was time for Rio to learn that other people were kind and could be trusted as well. While he was in training, I had some work of my own to do. I had to regain my confidence as a rider and deal with the anxiety that I’d been facing ever since my horse accident a year before where I damaged several discs in my neck and shattered my shoulder.
I have developed a deep love for IMTCA. It’s all-inclusive. All disciplines and horses are welcome, even the broken and the lame can join in, even if not under saddle. Just because the body is broken doesn’t mean that the mind is. Horses thrive on “working,” or having something to do, something to challenge them if not physically, then mentally. Rio and I began our journey with IMTCA, and every day, he amazes me with what he can do. Without sight, he relies on me to guide him through the challenges, and together, we figure it out! When people watch us work together, they often don’t even realize that he is blind.
I truly believe that owning and working with horses is a privilege, and for those of us who are blessed with these four-legged angels should do all that we can to raise each other up. I have never found a more positive horse environment than what Mark and Lee Bolander have created with the IMTCA. I feel blessed to have them as coaches through this journey that am taking with Rio, and I invite you to give it a try with your horse. Our journey together continues!
Gently, I would lay one hand on him but when I tried to lay both hands on him he would become frightened and retreat. I understood his fear and reminded myself to be patient and start at the beginning.
Sometimes in the healing process there is an “ah-ha” moment. The moment when you suddenly know that everything is going to be okay. One day, Rio decided that he wanted to play with his stall neighbor. This was a huge step for an unconfident horse who was used to being picked on. They ran around together kicking up their heels for fifteen minutes. I thought, perhaps if Rio and I can do liberty together, that would be fine with me. I never dreamed that he would one day be a horse that I could safely ride.
Rio gave me the strength that I needed to overcome my insecurities, and I gave him patience and helped him find his confidence. We were meant to be together. He taught me that what is broken can be mended. He gave me continued passion for rehab and healing animals. He is my solace, my partner in crime, and my miracle.
I love trail riding, working through obstacles with my horse and just having fun. Despite Rio’s blindness, he is willing and interested when we are working together. I realized that he had to have something to do. He may be a blind horse, but he is still a horse.
We began our trail journey in the arena, starting with poles and in-hand work. Lunging was a challenge for him, especially on his completely blind side. With mutual trust, we slowly worked through it.
© Hal Cook
© Hal Cook