Lucy

“After losing my leg due to a freak accident, I thought I would have to sell my 5-year-old Thoroughbred, Lucy, because she had a tendency to be reactive. Bought to be my UL horse, dreams of international competition disappeared when my leg was amputated. Instead, the young Storm Cat progeny has stepped up to the plate and given me mobility when I couldn’t walk for nearly six months. I began competing without a leg in show jumping in July, followed by a return to eventing in August, winning our first events back. [READ MORE: Getting a Leg Up] [READ MORE: Rescued Horses Rescue Youth at Charis Ranch] While not old enough to compete in para competitions, Lucy continues to assist me in recovery—not just physically, but mentally. On extremely difficult days, she sits with me, her head either in my lap or on my shoulder, reminding me that we are in this together. Her other favorite person is my friend’s 3-year-old daughter. My giant youngster thinks the toddler is her responsibility and tries to babysit when the child is in the barn. Not just my partner but also my best friend, Lucy demonstrates that neither age nor breed determine who will be a therapeutic horse.” –Mellisa W.

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