You guys all know my story, because I've previously posted about it, but for you guys who don't know...here it is in a nutshell:
When I was five years old I was finally diagnosed with a form of
Muscular Dystrophy called Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT), a neuropathy
that affects the nerves in my hands and legs. It wears away the
coating of the nerve leaving it exposed and causing weakness and
pain.
At first my disability changed every aspect of my life as I learned
how to live with it...and then eventually I got the hang of living
with the tiredness and pain cycles since they were few and far
between. Physical therapy helped and I got stronger. But lately my
CMT has gotten more progressive; over the last four years I've gotten
new leg braces that I wear if I go to exercise, I now use a
wheelchair for a lot of the errands I run, and I use a walker too.
I've dealt with my pain cycles starting up faster and staying longer.
All of these changes started to mess with my life. While I still
excel in school and all of my classes my athletic life has been put
on hold. I used to compete in swimming but every time I start to make
progress another pain or fatigue cycle kicks in and I have to start
all over again. There are very few sports that are around for me to
participate in that don't put negative pressure or strain on my legs;
swimming is about the only sport that allows me to perform as if I
didn't have my disability.
But there is one other sport that I can participate in heavily.
Thoroughbred horse racing. While it all sounds cliche, horse racing
is a sport that doesn't require me to be physical other then walking
down to the track to watch the horses. I know very well that I can
never be a jockey, but that doesn't matter. The fans and the
spectators are just as important as the trainers, owners, and
jockeys. I mean without us there wouldn't be much of a sport. From
the side lines I can act as announcer, share the news, write
articles, follow the careers of legends. Not many people get the
chance to connect with a horse or a sport the way I have with racing.
But those who have they know what I'm talking about. Watching races
of horses whom I've fallen in love with has given me an outlet for my
emotions. I get a sense of pride and hope watching them. Watching the
horses run is beautiful to me...maybe it's my envy that I can't run
like that.
I've been able to meet some of the best people in the world through horse racing including three of my best friends and many other people who follow a fan page that I run on Facebook. Through them I've been able to learn so much and get so much more experience then I ever thought I would.
I've been able to meet some of the best people in the world through horse racing including three of my best friends and many other people who follow a fan page that I run on Facebook. Through them I've been able to learn so much and get so much more experience then I ever thought I would.
I've been blessed to watch two talented horses run: Zenyatta and
Princess of Sylmar. Queen Z was the first horse to capture me. She
sparked something in me. And I think I fell into horse racing because
of her. At the time I had just moved and was dealing with introducing
people to me and my disability. A thing I didn't have to do before
since everyone knew about me. She was a powerful mare. So tall and
agile. And to watch her dance up to the starting gate was something I
looked forward to each time she ran. The second filly to catch my
attention was Princess of Sylmar. This filly is a four year old from
Pennsylvania. And a talented one at that. I watched her win the
Kentucky Oaks and the Alabama Stakes from the comforts of my living
room and she sucked me in. Her charisma and her attitude was so
magnetic that you can't help but smile when you see her. Watching her
run has gotten me through many pain cycles and new experiences with
my Charcot Marie Tooth. She gave me something to look forward to when
I was sick and tired and ready to just give up with trying to get
stronger.
How could horses do this? I'm not sure....its hard to describe...all I can do is say thank you to the trainers and owners and the horses..
How could horses do this? I'm not sure....its hard to describe...all I can do is say thank you to the trainers and owners and the horses..
XOXO,
Dana
A Zenyatta (the mare) edit that I made:
A Princess of Sylmar edit that I made:
