Hello world! My name is Bryanna Tanase and I am the creator of Parapiaffe! I created this blog to share and track my riding journey, as well as to be an educational and community building resource for equestrians no matter the discipline, as well as others
I was born with cerebral palsy (CP) at 11 months old, CP is a neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, balance, coordination, and motor skills that is caused by brain damage before or during birth. There are varying degrees of CP, ranging from mild, where one may walk with a slight limp and otherwise function normally, to severe where one is in a vegetable state and is completely dependent on others. My CP is on the severe end of the spectrum, as I am wheelchair bound, can stand for no more than 60 seconds without help, and need assistance with most daily tasks, along with a host of other things. However, I am grateful to have near full control of my body and a well-functioning mind so that I can type this article today. There are many things that I simply cannot do, but I prefer to focus on what I can do instead.
Horses were introduced into my life at a very early age, and that introduction grew to a lifelong passion. It all started during a preschool trip to a farm when a managed to locate a palomino pony, whose name I believe was Ginger, and was so infatuated with her that I did not leave her side. From then on, I got my hands on every horse book, movie, and item I could, and begged my parents for pony rides at the zoo and trail rides on vacations. However, I didn't have any consistent interaction with horses until Christmas of 2015, when my parents surprised my with four free lessons at Quantum Leap Farm, which is the barn I go to now. Those first four lessons were the gateway to a new world where I realized just how powerful I could be. I was actually engaged in the ride as opposed to simply being lead around, and I loved it so much that a year later my parents enrolled me as a therapeutic riding participant. After 17 years, my dream was finally coming true.
I still remember that first lesson like it was yesterday, When our van rolled up to the barn, I knew it was going to be special. Coming to the barn felt like home. I was reunited with the people and horse that helped change my life. Sonic is a bay appaloosa-quarter horse cross that has the sweetest demeanor and is the friendliest horse you will ever meet. A perfect creation that captured my heart and made me feel whole.
Stroking his muzzle was electrifying, as if there was a little spark that connected our souls together. From the moment I looked into his soft eyes, I knew he was the one for me, even after so much time had passed. I just couldn't wait to get on him again, and after giving him a few more pats we went over to the arena for my very first official lesson as a therapeutic rider.
We started off the lesson with some stretches just to get my body used to being in the saddle and to help my muscles loosen up, which is always really important. Then once stretched were done we spent the rest of the lesson doing obstacle courses and just having fun. I was kept on the lead for the whole lesson as it was my first ride in a while, but I still had a blast and loved every minute.
From that lesson on, Sonic and I reached milestone after milestone. We were an unstoppable team, and without him I wouldn't be where I am now. I was determined to take every step I could to be the best equestrian I could be, giving each and every ride my all. Then, one December morning I accomplished what was at the time my biggest goal yet, and my proudest accomplishment to this day: riding independently. Reaching that goal as a team was the greatest Christmas gift Sonic could have given me. We did so many amazing things since then, like going on my first independent trail ride, learning a beginner dressage test, and I even got to speak about my experiences as a rider sitting on his back!
Sonic was my horse of a lifetime, my heart horse. It felt like we were destined to meet each other and I'm so glad I was able to be his partner. Around March of this year, he was retired and is now living his best life as a friend to a horse owned by a staff member at the Farm. Although I no longer see him, I am so glad he is living a happy and healthy life.
A little while before Sonic’s retirement, I was able to meet and ride some of the other horses at my barn and they have each taught me different things. Ganellon, a flea-bitten grey Selle Francais and ex-showjumper (who also knows a bit of dressage) taught me to leg yield using the whip as an aide. Idaho, a pure grey Welsh pony/ Percheron cross was the first pony I learned to trot on, Dee, a dark bay quarter horse and my last partner, now retired, was the first horse I rode in a dressage saddle on. And my new partner Shane, a black and white paint horse, is going to be the mount on which I learn some more complex dressage movements like the single loop serpentine. All horses have something to teach their rider.
Some of the best moments I have had with the horses occur out of the saddle, simply spending time with them. It is in these moments where I really get to know the horses I connect with. Just like humans, every horse is unique and has its own personality. Every time we have these quiet moments together, I learn more. There is something instantly therapeutic about being around horses. The soft touch of their fur, the warm smell of their hair, and the gentle tickle of their mizzle and whiskers as they take a treat from my hand calms me like nothing else. This is the purest magic of the horse.
By going on this equestrian journey, I have learned to practice patience, that it doesn't matter how slow you go as long as you make progress, and that determination sees through all hardship. My road has not been linear, and the same is true for the majority of riders on this journey with me. I've been getting stronger every ride and accomplishing things I never thought were possible, reaching for the stars. I'm not really sure what's in store for me next, but whatever happens I know my four legged friends are right there with me.
Until next time,
Bry