This last show segment, titled “Defining Disabilities” a parallel of Horse & Rider, took me on an emotional journey to meet some incredible people and one unique horse.  I learned the importance of leadership between horse and rider as well the connection to bond in order to create trust.   It was the true meaning of really defining the term “disability”.  The individuals I interviewed and the horses that I spent time with, have gone far and above those limitations we as a society place judgement upon – using the term “disability.

Meet Frederick Win, born without a partial leg right leg – Fred is dominating his class in the World Para Reining Events and other equine disciplines such as dressage, trick riding and hunter & jumping.  Born and raised in a South East Asian country called Myanmar, Fred now resides and practices as an attorney in the state of New Jersey.   I had the opportunity to meet Fred and learn about his passion for showing horses, during his last competition event paired with Wild Card Reining at the South Point Arena.  It was in the Diamond Diva Apparel booth that Fred shared his story and accomplishments – while trying to find the perfect pair of jeans!

Fred later introduced to me to Ashley Kelkenberg, a friend and the horse trainer of several horses in the World Para Reining Event as well as the horse he would be riding called Downright Juicy “Trucker”.   Trucker got his nickname a.k.a M.F.  from being quite the horse in the past with a very high intense personality of misbehaving.   Trucker was retired from the competitive show circuit a few years back, but was brought back to compete after an amazing connection that he shared with Fred.   It was totally amazing to me, that Fred had only ridden Trucker just a few times prior this year being that Fred resides in New Jersey and Trucker resides in Arizona.    As we moved to our next scene, I was most curious to further understand how Fred was able to mount and ride Trucker without any aides.  Truly remarkable – you’ll have to watch this show clip!

My next guest was Fallon Eaton and her beloved award-winning horse Major Tuck otherwise known as “Slick”.    Fallon, a Las Vegas native had shown Slick throughout her teenage years in several reining classes, winning buckles and several awards.   In May of 2009, Slick, a beautiful Bay horse had developed a swollen eye and other issues which resulted later its removal.  It was from that day forward that Slick and Fallon began their new relationship.   A relationship of trust, since Slick had to rely on Fallon for the site of his left eye.

At one point in the filming,  I started to cry because I caught a moment of them walking together, side by side and noticed that Slick had gently nudged Fallon as they both walked into the arena. Slick, who is now retired at 27 years old gave an outstanding performance working a few Buffalo to reveal his ability.  Slick now lives out his life just being a horse, grazing in a pasture.

It was the parallel of worlds between Fred with the loss of his right leg and Slick with the loss of his left eye – that were brought together to demonstrate how these individuals have overcome their disability.