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DOCACOO

Docacoo, who has been named "Ohio's Feel Good Horse," in magazine articles, and "Big Hearted Quarter Horse" in a recently published book of inspirational horse stories, is known to us as the horse that never says "I can't."

His first success story began when my mother fell and fractured her hip. During that hospitalization, she learned the devastating news that her leukemia was out of remission! She was given weeks to live. She chose to spend this final time with my husband and me, but with terms! I had to keep working and showing Docacoo. They were about the same age in horse/people years so Mom always admired his stamina and heart. She knew he had taught us to cut at a ripe old age! As if his age were not enough, he had also done so after rehabilitating a leg fracture that occurred before he ever came to us! When my mother arrived, she stated, "If your horse won't give up, neither will I!" Incredibly, the weeks she was given turned into months! She shared Docacoo's "go get 'em" attitude and though terminal, drew the strength to rehabilitate her hip. She was soon up walking with her walker! Mom loved hearing about the shows, watching bridleless rides outside her window and feeding him carrots after workouts. When their story was featured in the Cutting Horse Chatter, another dream was fulfilled. Mom was an aspiring model before starting her family and always wanted to be featured in a national magazine! With my mother's passing and season's end, Docacoo finished fifth in Ohio and sixth in the three-state area 15. It was Docacoo's heart that carried us - the heart of the finest Quarter Horse as his body was 26!

Docacoo, like my mother, strengthens those around him during his own adversities. At 30, while suffering several health issues, he became the source of inspiration to Christina, a teenage girl who was hospitalized for epilepsy diagnostics and brain surgery. " 'Doc' became an inspiration to me as I learned of his determination and strength," stated Christina, who was not initially a horse person. She visited Docacoo as soon as she was able. "The time we spend together makes me forget about my epilepsy… he gives me the will to never give up."

Christina's mother passionately speaks of Doc, "Seeing the two of them together makes me cry. It was as if they both had no pain, no sickness, only happiness and love and nothing could bring them down. I thank God for bringing Doc into our lives. He will always stay in our hearts and always be our guardian angel."

Docacoo's story is never ending! In memory of my mother, he has been the focus of annual fundraisers for hospice - his most recent at 33, with a book sale featuring his book. Members of the community generously celebrate the bond of horse and human. Docacoo will continue to share the joy and inspiration of an American Quarter Horse that has made a difference!

MONAS LITTLE GUY

"Look at that lady; she's wearing a jacket, and it's 80 degrees!"

Turning around with my top-10 jacket, I smile, "Let me tell you about Moses."

What happens when a dream may never come true? I could take Monas Little Guy to the All American Quarter Horse Congress! A horse that people gave up on, found at the auction barn, and me, a girl with MS (Multiple Sclerosis), show everyone we were something, not broken, discarded objects.

I just ignored MS. Riding was therapy, a way to keep the MS "Monster" hidden. Moses and I competed hard in barrels and poles, our eyes set on the 2002 Congress. We practiced in 20 to 80 degree weather. I felt free - so alive - when I rode Moses. Galloping through open fields, closed eyes, arms outstretched, we'd fly away to the heavens leaving MS behind and my dream ahead.

The MS "Monster" reappeared, ready to clip those wings making me fall back to earth … to reality. "It" wanted to take what I'm good at away. MS doesn't care about dreams or sacrifices. MS took my secure healthy feeling, took my denial, and threw it in my face. It weakened my legs, causing constant pain and spasms. I lost feeling in my knee. MS has a sick sense of humor; it wasn't' even the knee I hit the barrels with.

The "Monster" tried to take away my riding. I could barely pull myself up on Moses. A simple task was almost unbearable. Moses sensed something was wrong. The ex-racehorse that raced off when I was half in the saddle, now waited patiently. I'd grasp the horn and his mane, tugged, pulled, attempting to swing my limp leg over him. Moses stood still then quietly walk almost stating "Trust me; I will wait for you." That moment, I knew nothing could stop me from dreaming but me.

We worked for eight months! We arrived at the Congress, but I was overwhelmed by the massive show. What was I thinking? I'm just a girl from Maine with MS. I dreamed too big.

I was sitting on Moses in the holding pen feeling sorry for myself. Then I realized what we had accomplished. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Moses.

My prayer answered!

Our names called - it was our time! I'm breathless, psyched out. Moses took over bursting into the arena. It's like he said, "Time to shine. Sit back and enjoy the ride!" Moses weaved the poles with speed and grace. Clean run! I jumped off in tears. Moses put his head on my shoulder and nickered. Top 10!

I defeated the "Monster" that day and every time we fly through the fields. The bad days, I watch our run on tape.

I speak across the country as an MS Ambassador. Magazines, newspapers and MS educational DVDs have carried our story. Moses helped encourage others to fight MS and not give up on dreams and many start therapeutic riding!

MY ROCKIN RYON

My Rockin Ryon, (Rocky) a 10-year-old gelding, has had an impact on our entire family, but most of all my 10-year-old daughter, Bailee. Rocky came into our lives when he was 4. I competed on him for two years and was running and placing in the 1D division when Bailee took the reins over.

The winter of 2004, Bailee's pony choked on the way to a barrel race. Try telling a 6-year-old they can't compete in the peewees - you don't. So Rocky came into play. Rocky's normally on the muscle going through the gate, but that day he walked into the arena and loped a nice slow pattern. The rest is history.

Bailee was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 3 ½ and it was controlled with medications for the first two years. That wasn't the case when she and Rocky came together. Bailee was at times having up to 30 seizures a day. She never had seizures when she was riding but one time. The one time she did have a seizure while riding, Rocky stopped all of a sudden and just stood there. Her dad was right there for her. Bailee was putting Rocky's bridle on one time and had a seizure. Bailee's seizure lasted about one minute, and before I could get over to her, Rocky stood there with no bridle and no halter with this little girl jerking around between his front legs and never took a step.

It was at that moment that I realized there was some sort of bond between that horse and that little girl, and Rocky would be in our lives until his dying days.

The next three years, Bailee continued to fight her epilepsy. The only time her life seemed somewhat normal was when she rode Rocky.

January 2007, Bailee underwent brain surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Neurosurgeons removed part of Bailee's brain in hope that it would control her seizures. Bailee's only worry was that she would be able to still barrel race on Rocky.

The surgery was a success. To date, Bailee has only had two seizures. Six months after her surgery, they were back at it. Their first competitive run was at the LOMBR, where they won the youth 3D average. The two of them have had many accomplishments along the way. Bailee has many buckles to prove it. Some of their bigger wins were 2005 NWBRA peewee champs, 2006 YRS barrel race and all-around champs, and 2007 BRRS horse of the year. This year, Bailee and Rocky ran their first :17.7 time on a full set. Rocky is a son of Ronas Ryon out of a Mr Kid Charge mare.

I credit Rocky for giving Bailee and us some serenity from real life. I believe Rocky is the one thing that kept Bailee positive and a reason to keep moving forward.

SON OF SATAN

Working with adults with intellectual disabilities can be very rewarding and also very challenging - much like working with horses. The Marbridge Foundation is a 55-year-old residential facility that provides a safe, loving community where adults with cognitive challenges can achieve their full potential through Abilities Centered Training.

A nice gentleman came out, observed our program and said he thought his horse would be a good fit. He did comment, "There might be one problem. Isn't this a Christian school? My horse's name is 'Satan.' " I went to see the horse and knew from the minute I hopped on his back that he would be perfect. The only problem I had was finding a new name for him. I told my staff about my dilemma and the art teacher asked, "What color is he?" When I replied black, she said, "How about Black Satin?" So his name became "Satin" and much to my surprise when I received his AQHA certificate of registration his dam was Satan's Satin.

Satin began teaching the residents important life skills such as: responsibility, positive communication skills, trust, anger management, work ethic and self-esteem. Over the past few years, Satin has touched more than 250 lives in amazing ways.

Satin gave a young man with autism a friend to talk to when he couldn't or wouldn't talk to anyone else. Satin helped a middle-aged woman with depression feel happy for the first time in her life. Satin taught a young woman that refused to work what it meant to have a meaningful job and strong work ethic. Satin helped a middle-aged man gain more mobility through hippo therapy. Satin gave a young summer camper the thrill of a lifetime as he stood quietly for her to mount and then picked up a trot when she wanted to go fast. Satin brought teams of joy to the eyes of a family as they watched their son win his first medal in Special Olympics. Satin helped a woman with OCD understand that many people have things in their life they can't control. Satin cribs and we explained to the woman it is much like her OCD.

One of the greatest lessons Satin taught in recent months was that no matter how old you are you can still learn new things and never underestimate what older people or older horses can do.

Jerry, a middle-aged man with special needs, learned how to ride horses to prepare for the state competition. On the day of competition, his 10-year-old Quarter Horse began to act out and his coach made the decision that riding the horse would be a safety issue. As first, she was concerned about using Satin since he was getting older and would need to compete in multiple events. She put her faith in Satin and as you can see by the photo, Satin and Jerry came through as winners in the end.

TWO DOC TWO

I would like to nominate my AQHA gelding, Two Doc Two, for the 2008 MD Barns Silver Spur Award.

"Doc" is currently working as a mental health therapy horse for individuals between the ages of 4 and 65. The people he works with experience mental health concerns with a variety of disorders. He was shown for a while. Now he works with 15 to 20 people each week. He is always eager to be with each person.

Doc interacts with people by using his body language. When someone is sad, Doc stand quietly by their side to offer a "shoulder to cry on." This empathy helps the distressed person to relax and overcome their sorrow. When a person is anxious and needs to be clamed, Doc stands with his head up until they become calm, then he lowers his head providing immediate feedback to the person about their moods and actions. This helps to enable them to create self-awareness. People are taught about Doc's nonverbal communication and what it means in terms of their behavior. They learn that when they are in a positive state of mind, Doc's ears are standing up and attentive. When they are not in a positive state of mind, Doc's ears are back, and he will not respond to them. This teaches people about how their actions affect others. He has shown people that he can be a good listener when they have had a hard time communicating feelings to others. He stands quietly and allows them to open up without judgment. Here are two examples of some of the things he has been able to help.

A teenage boy wrapped his arms around Doc's neck and for about 45 minutes talked about his sadness, despair, lack of friends, tumultuous life and his lack of hope for the future. When he finished, Doc turned his head toward the boy and wrapped his neck around him in a "hug." The boy cried. When the teenager returned a week later, he thanked Doc for helping him cope with his situation and freeing him to pursue happier activities such as playing music with friends.

A sexually abused 9-year-old girl had been unable to talk about her abuse with adults. It was suggested she take Doc to the far side of the arena where she could talk to him alone. For 20 minutes, she stood with Doc talking, stomping her feet and crying. Doc stood with her quietly with his head down close to her, ears forward and his eyes on her. When she finished, she and Doc walked to the therapist and stated she was ready to talk about her abuse.

Doc does not communicate in English, yet he certainly speaks volumes to those in emotional need. He has shown that he is a champion in the arena of life.