Yes, we see disabled riders all the time, and they do a brilliant job with their various disabilities. But this lady, in my opinion, has to be one of the most amazing riders I have ever seen. Why? Because she has NO ARMS. That's right, no arms! I didn't think it was even possible to ride a horse without arms, but she does, and does it well too! She has won European and Paralympic medals in dressage. Not only that, she can saddle, bridle, wash, brush, rug, feed - pretty much everything that needs doing with a horse - with her feet! (She also writes, texts and puts on mascara with her toes!)
And who is her equine partner? His name is Fabuleaux 5, and she has trained him to voice command, leg aids and head movement. She has one set of reins between her toes (she has special cut-out boots) and another set held in her teeth. This special horse lowers his head for bridling and brushing, and when ridden, even in this most unusual way, does his job and does it brilliantly! I have seen in my experience that the horse "knows" when his rider is different, but isn't this guy just something else?!
And here's me thinking I don't feel like riding today because it's horribly windy and I have a rotten headache.........Can't wait to read her book!
