Let Me Tell You ... About Being Back in the Saddle.

I've had multiple sclerosis for 8 years. But I've been very blessed in it, and I thank God for the ability to keep doing the things I love to do. Riding horses is one of them.

Riding is an underrated form of physical therapy. It's strengthened my leg muscles enormously, and has helped me retain much of my agility. Emotionally, it's provided me with the means to escape the stresses of everyday life. Most importantly, it's given me a feeling of victory over MS. It's taught me to never give up but rather to treat MS as one of life's hurdles that you just have to jump over--and go forward with your dreams.

I rode in a lot of horse shows and rodeos in high school, but never had the opportunity when I was younger to ride in a high-point series, which is a much bigger deal. I recently decided it was something that I'd really like to do while I have the chance.

The upcoming competition was the Summer High-Point Championship at the North Brevard Horsemen's Club in Mims, Florida. There were 3 daylong shows, once a month for 3 months, and each participant had to compete in every event at all 3 shows to qualify for the highpoint awards.

My husband, Robby, and I rented a trailer, loaded up my 12-year-old adopted standardbred gelding, Apache, and set out for the first show. I was overwhelmed when I got there. Exhilaration and anxiety filled my mind and body. It was Apache's first time in the arena. At night ... bright lights ... loud announcer ... people clapping. I was unsure if he'd even agree to enter the arena, let alone perform well. But what a trooper! He returned home that night with 2 second-place ribbons, a third, and a fourth. He ran like the wind and turned on a dime--all the time with a sack of potatoes on his back called a rider.

When the second show came around, Apache again demonstrated his winning spirit. Two second-place ribbons and two thirds were clipped to our truck as we headed home that night. My 8-year-old daughter, Anisa, also received many ribbons on her quarter horse.

By the time of the last show, I'd been experiencing further problems with equilibrium, muscle strength, and reflexes, but I was determined to finish anyway. When we arrived, my horse was excited and ready. His turn came, and he ran so fast he frightened me! I wasn't sure if I could stop him. He turned as if he'd done rodeo all his life.

As we crossed the finish line, my equilibrium reached its breaking point. Apache came to a stop, but I didn't. I sailed through the air and landed on the hard wood rim of the arena siding. My ankle and my pride were moderately injured. Robby quietly entered the arena and helped me limp to the exit, while my faithful steed followed.

After the final event, and my trusty friend's fourth ribbon of the night, we loaded him into the trailer. As I closed the creaky door, I was astonished to hear my name being called. I walked over to the announcer's booth just in time to hear the words "high-point reserve champion" following my name. I was speechless. As I limped into the arena for the last time to accept my beautiful ribbon, a tear slid down my cheek.

I don't know what will happen next, but don't count me out yet! I might make the district and state championships. And there are always the quiet forest trails and beaches near my home. I've been training all my horses to respond to leg and seat cues and verbal commands, so that if I lose the ability to communicate with them by means of kicks and other standard moves, I can still ride with the assurance that they'll understand me.

See page 26 for information about the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.

A former title insurance examiner, Conni Kirk now owns a Denny's Restaurant in Titusville, Florida with her husband and 2 other partners. She was diagnosed with MS in 1992.