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HORSES—DUST—THE SMELL OF LEATHER—ADRENALINE—GOOD FRIENDS

Come On…….You Know What I’m Talkin” About…….

COMPETITION!!!!!!

By Cathy Brunson

You’re sitting in the bleachers, between events, just watching people meander by and notice a couple riders striding across the arena. They’re sorta dusty and sweat streaked; jawing about a hard ride around the barrels. One feller slaps the other on the back and exhorts; “Nice Ride!”. But that smile says it all—it’s so big it could reach from Farmington to Carlsbad!

Sound like a scene you’d observe at any High School rodeo or maybe at your local gymkhana? That, my friend, is also the scene you would observe at any Special Olympics Equestrian practice or competition. Just a group of guys and gals who love to ride horses and have a driving desire to compete. And the benefits for these riders are enormous!

You have most likely heard of Special Olympics. Well, Equestrian is one of the 12 Olympic-type sports offered by Special Olympics of New Mexico to children and adults with intellectual disabilities who deserve to live the message of inclusion, acceptance, possibility and hope. Volunteer coaches, horse handlers, and parents help accomplish this task along with the generosity of folks who lend their horses to these special riders. Free of charge.

There are Special Olympic Equestrian teams throughout New Mexico. These teams are not social clubs or therapeutic riding programs; but year-round training and competition programs. Though, riding horses can provide a combination of sensory, motor, physical and neurological input for riders, our main focus is training for life through sports. All athletes are required to engage in an extensive training program for a minimum of eight weeks prior to competition. Riders are classified by abilities and include: A Riders (no speed limitations), B Independent Riders (walk or trot only), B Supported Riders (walk or trot with assistance), C Independent Riders (walk only), C Supported Riders (walk only with assistance), D Riders (walk on lead line with side walkers).

As these riders develop riding skills they also grow physically, mentally, and socially. Riders increase physical fitness and gain new abilities and talents while grooming, tacking, and learning horsemanship. One example of how riding horses can literally transform the physical body is proven by one young man who was born with no muscular strength. While therapies proved invaluable, his interest in riding and competing on horseback gave him an avenue by which to gain strength and have fun. Said rider has gone on to compete in the Special Olympics International Equestrian Games in Ireland!!

From a parent’s perspective of a Special Olympian rider, I appreciate the mental challenges that are overcome through riding horses and training for competition. As my daughter learned and practiced over and over again the patterns for running Barrels, Pole Bending, Figure Eight Stake Race and Working Trail her mental capacities were challenged and improved. As a benefit, she also learned to be determined, persistent, courageous, responsible, and became self-confident. Her listening skills improved and her patience was tested as she learned and practiced for Stock Seat Equitation and Showmanship in Halter Class. Right now all you parents are wanting a phone number for this amazing program, right?? Visit www.sonm.org or call 800-371-5525 or 505-856-0342 for more information.

By sharing a common interest these horsemen and women gain new and life-long friendships while learning social skills. It is so wonderful to see them grow socially as they encourage one another, share their enthusiasm, learn the art of give and take, work side by side to load and unload the horses, talk tack, and just have fun!

While being on a Special Olympic Equestrian Team will benefit the rider physically, mentally, and socially, horses are also great motivators. One young man of 27 years came to the program with no riding experience. However, his dad thought horseback riding would be a good hobby for them to share. It was not uncommon to hear this new rider say, “Are we done yet?” during practice. Well, after he competed in his first Area Event in August 2008, and won; his reluctance disappeared. He had horse fever!! Today he and his dad have their own horses, which he takes care of, without prompting or nagging. Horses are very nice motivators!!

Special Olympics Equestrian Teams compete twice a year. Once in August for the Area 5 Competition and then the State Competition in September. For the first time ever, the Area 5 Competition will be held at the Rockin’ Horse Ranch Arena, north of Moriarty at #28 Western Road; on August 29, 2009; 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Lonnie and Patty Wright have graciously donated the arena for these special riders to compete in. At this event two of the teams will be exhibiting “Horse Soccer”. Fun! Fun! On horseback the riders rein their horses to push a 4 foot, red, rubber ball around the arena while trying to score goals against the opposing team. We play this all year at practices to learn riding skills. The second competition will be the State Equestrian Competition; held September 11-12 in Clovis. This two-day event unites over 200 riders, coaches, volunteers, friends and family from across the state. These events are fun for the families and spectators as well as the competitors. Everyone is welcome to both events!

Well, if you are interested in joining up as a participant or know someone who might be interested, visit www.sonm.org or call 800-371-5525 or 505-856-0342. To be eligible a person must be 8 years old or older and have been identified by an agency or professional as having a mental challenge or a cognitive delay as measured by formal assessment or have significant learning or vocation problems due to a cognitive delay which require specifically designed instruction. People with functional limitations based solely on a physical, behavioral, emotional, specific learning disability, or sensory disability are not eligible. If you are interested in volunteering with any program or with the annual Area Competition visit www.sonm.org or call 800-371-5525 or 505-856-0342.

Special Olympics Equestrian riders have many limitations in their lives; physically, mentally, and socially. Because of neurological challenges, their days, present and future, are very different from most of you reading this article. But when they’re in the saddle, above the troubles of their world; in their chest beats a heart just like yours. A heart that loves riding horses….and a love for COMPETITION!!!!

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