Don't cry over spilt milk
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382104)
Rockingham, Australia
October 27, 2019 6:43pm CST
Some of those who competed in the equestrian section of the Blackwood Marathon which we attended recently also compete regularly in the horse endurance rides that we attend.
One of the riders, a man, suffered a stroke some years ago. I’m not sure how many years. His left arm isn’t functional and hangs limply by his side. However, he competes regularly and is completely self-sufficient. He can do everything he needs to do with his one good arm, which includes getting himself and his horse to the events, setting up his yard and camp, saddling and unsaddling, When he runs out his horse, he holds his limp arm with his other hand.
We also saw people with physical and mental difficulties at the Riding for the Disabled day that we attended. They have such positive outlooks and just get on with life and living. People such as these are a wonderful example of the resilience of the human spirit, and a good reminder that burning your toast or spilling your milk in the morning isn’t sufficient reason for you to spoil your day and everyone else’s with a fit of the sulks.
Photo is of Bobby taken by me.
17 people like this
17 responses
@Jackalyn (7558)
• Oxford, England
28 Oct 19
Now I live on the ranch I am slowly understanding why people like horses. They were never really on my radar before. I still cannot see quite why people find them healing, but read Jaycee Dugard's story and clearly they can have a great part to play in the healing of emotions. I guess as time goes on I will see all these things for myself. I know there are some disabled and autistic riders who visit.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382104)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Oct 19
Riding for the Disabled (now called HorsePower in some parts) is very strong in Australia and does seem to do a lot of good with damaged children. Some horses in particular seem to have an innate sense about the people they meet. I heard of one horse carefully approaching a blind, autistic boy and putting its head down to be held or patted. If they've never been on your radar then of course you won't know much about them I guess.
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@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
28 Oct 19
these folks're great inspirations! that great attitude'n desire to keep goin' 's 'lways warmed my heart. yer story reminds me 'f a fella i'd run 'nto quite oft out'n the hay fields. his wife drove the truck/trailer, he loaded'n stacked the hay. with one arm, by himself. he'd lost his arm'n an accident some years back. told me such 'twas actually a blessin', 's he learnt to prioritize his life. still roped 'n worked cattle.
jest goes to show ya that we've all choices. either grab life by the horns 'r wallow'n self pity. his paint 'tis a beaut, too!
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@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
29 Oct 19
@JudyEv i've been told by many 'tis a choice to've a good attitude'n continue to live life 't 'ts fullest. glad to see that so many do possess those qualities.
used to be a fella who went by 'the one armed bandit'. he put'n quite a show with horses, longhorns, big trailers. well trained crew, 'ncludin' some pups. 'twas a delight to watch him perform, e'en more so to sit'n visit with him. i wish 't times i'd e'en an inklin' 'f his gumption.
1 person likes this
@Alexandoy (65302)
• Cainta, Philippines
28 Oct 19
That guy who had a stroke surely loves his sport so much that he still rides even with half his body not functioning.
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@JudyEv (382104)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Oct 19
@Alexandoy He is but he doesn't see himself that way.
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@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
28 Oct 19
A Horses can bring so much joy to people and it helps to make them feel whole even when they are not.
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@JudyEv (382104)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Oct 19
Some who don't seem to have a lot make the very best of what they do have too.
@JudyEv (382104)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Oct 19
It's about the same for me and has been for a few years. But of course I'm too old now. Saddles, hay-bales, etc are too heavy to make having a horse fun any more. But I do enjoy taking photos of them.
@JudyEv (382104)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Oct 19
Bobby is the man. I couldn't remember the horse's names when I posted this but it's Bailey Boy. He has a longer, fancier stud name but Bobby calls him Bailey.
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
28 Oct 19
That is such an uplifting story.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
28 Oct 19
Tough mental attitudes.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128835)
• Gainesville, Florida
28 Oct 19
I always admire people who don't let their circumstances dictate how they live their lives. If we put our minds to it, we can accomplish just about anything we desire. Good for those people for getting out there and living their lives and enjoying their passions.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (35031)
• United Kingdom
28 Oct 19
It is very impressive what people can do when they set their mind to something. Someties I think it spurs them on to prove something.Certainly those of us who have no such problems to overcome really have nothing to complain about! Lovely horse too!
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