Through the inspiration and help of two remarkable equestrians who have not allowed physical setbacks to deter them from their love of riding horses, the American Paint Horse Foundation (APHF) is launching an innovative "Back in the Saddle Program" to help injured riders pursue their passion.
Through the new program, the foundation will fulfill the wish of an injured rider, now physically challenged, to mount up and once again and enjoy the world on horseback.
For its first project in 2010, the Foundation's goal is to have a custom-made show saddle built for 20-year-old Katie Holland, of Belgrade, Montana, who lost her right leg on February 26, 2007, in a tractor accident. Before the mishap, Holland was an accomplished young rider with an all-around show record on her Paint and Quarter Horses.
Holland's new saddle will be built to custom specifications to compensate for her lost limb and the challenges she faces to stay balanced and erect on horseback.
No one knows those challenges better than saddle maker Randy Bird of Celeste, Texas. Paralyzed from the mid-chest down as the result of a 1986 truck accident, Bird made his own saddle that has allowed him to compete again in team roping events. The newest member of the Foundation's therapeutic riding committee, Bird volunteered to make Holland's saddle and help the Foundation continue similar projects for the future.
"I know what this young lady is facing," said Bird. "I've been there. And I know it's more than just getting back on a horse. It's about getting on with your life, and doing the things you love to do.
"It's life changing."
One of the first people to learn about Holland's determination to return to the show ring was Judy Ford, of Whitesboro, Texas. Ford, a world champion Paint Horse exhibitor and world-class breeder, serves on the APHF board of directors and is a founding member of its therapeutic riding committee.
Ford met Holland at a horse show in Idaho, where she saw the young equestrian showing at halter with the aid of a motorized scooter. After talking with Holland and her mother, Christine, Ford learned of the young lady's challenges and the fact that she had lost her right leg, above the hip. Ford also discovered Holland's passion for horses and her drive to one day ride and show again. It didn't take Ford long to convince her foundation colleagues to take on the challenge of helping Katie realise her dream.
Around the same time, Holland drew special attention from APHA judge Tom Crowley, of Kellogg, Minnesota. At an APHA-approved horse show in Montana, Crowley witnessed Holland's showing at halter, while leading her horse with her scooter. He was deeply moved by what he saw.
"She was so inspirational. At the show there was so much support for Katie from other exhibitors and from everyone there. It really brought out the best in people. You could really see their love for horses and love for people, and that's what it's all about."
Crowley, who is president and CEO of St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Wabasha, Minnesota, pledged $500 for the first grant to help Katie get back in the saddle.
 Katie's new saddle is expected to be ready in July. © APHA Photo/Abigail Wilder Boatwright |
"We are gaining so much support for this project," said Ford. "It has just been absolutely incredible how this story is unfolding.
"The first time I saw Katie, I just knew we had to get this remarkable young lady a saddle so she could ride and show again," said Ford.
Key support for the project came when Bird, the saddle maker, signed on for the challenge of getting Holland back in the saddle. Although Bird was not specifically aware of APHF's plan for Katie, he was familiar with the Foundation's work to support therapeutic riding programs.
The Foundation has raised about $50,000 for therapeutic riding the past two years and conducted its first-ever therapeutic riding classes at the 2009 Summer APHA World Show in Fort Worth, Texas. At that event, the Foundation spotlighted the riding talents of 32 children and 25 Paint Horses from seven therapeutic riding centers as part of the event. It also awarded grants to the centers to continue their work.
"It seemed like a natural fit that we should be involved," said Bird's son, Brett, who assists his father with Bird Therapy Saddles. The two also serve as pastors at their local church.
Together, the Birds own 13 American Paint Horses. They compete at team roping events around the nation and are among the top-10 finishers in APHA World Show team roping events. The saddle maker competed at APHA World Shows in 2001, 2002 and 2005 in his customized saddle.
Today, Randy is making it possible for others to experience the same miraculous transformation that he has made in riding again. He has crafted about 600 therapy saddles being used around the world. Bird has made therapeutic riding saddles for Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Champion Bull Rider Jerome Davis, who suffered from paralysis after a 1998 tragedy, as well as other PRCA performers who have been awarded Bird's therapy saddles through the PRCA's Crisis Fund.
 Randy Bird works with Katie on the design of her new saddle. |
The Bird family jumped into the American Paint Horse Foundation project with the same dedication they have shown for similar projects, offering to meet with Holland, build her saddle and give practical training advice. The APHF welcomed their help and appointed the family-Randy; son, Brett; and wife, Linda-to the Foundation's successful therapeutic riding committee.
"Randy is a truly gifted individual, a talented saddle maker, a Paint Horse owner and a man with a big heart," said Ford. "He brings so much to the Foundation as we carry out our mission."
To get the "Back in the Saddle" project started, the foundation flew Katie and her mother to Texas to visit the Dallas/Fort Worth area and meet with Bird. It proved to be a productive gathering. Bird and Holland discussed their riding challenges and the saddle-maker developed an understanding for Holland's wishes, needs and desires.
He also took careful measurements and worked closely with Holland on a saddle design that would be functional and beautiful. The saddle maker also took into consideration the balance factors that would come into play for the horse, and every detail, including shape of the saddle tree, was considered.
Bird's saddle creation for Holland is now underway at his shop in Celeste.
At http://aphfoundation.org, people can check out Holland's visit with Bird. They can also track Bird's progress as he develops the custom saddle for Holland. The site will also track Holland's progress as she prepares to enter the show arena again in the near future.
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