American Paint Horse Foundation helps injured riders fulfill dreams through “Back in the Saddle” project

 Through the inspiration and help of two remarkable equestrians who have not allowed physical setbacks to deter them from their love of riding horses, the American Paint Horse Foundation (APHF) is launching an innovative “Back in the Saddle Program” to help injured riders pursue their passion.

Through the new program, the Foundation will fulfill the wish of an injured rider, now physically challenged, to mount up and once again and enjoy the world on horseback.

For its first project in 2010, the Foundation’s goal is to have a custom-made show saddle built for 20-year-old Katie Holland, of Belgrade, Mont., who lost her right leg Feb. 26, 2007, in a tractor accident. Before the mishap, Holland was an accomplished young rider with an all-around show record on her Paint and Quarter Horses.

Holland’s new saddle will be built to custom specifications to compensate for her lost limb and the challenges she faces to stay balanced and erect on horseback.

No one knows those challenges better than saddle maker Randy Bird of Celeste, Texas. Paralyzed from the mid-chest down as the result of a 1986 truck accident, Bird made his own saddle that has allowed him to compete again in team roping events. The newest member of the Foundation’s therapeutic riding committee, Bird volunteered to make Holland’s saddle and help the Foundation continue similar projects for the future. 

“I know what this young lady is facing,” said Bird. “I’ve been there. And I know it’s more than just getting back on a horse. It’s about getting on with your life, and doing the things you love to do.

“It’s life changing.”

 Drawing inspiration from Katie

One of the first people to learn about Holland’s determination to return to the show ring was Judy Ford, of Whitesboro, Texas. Ford, a world champion Paint Horse exhibitor and world-class breeder, serves on the APHF board of directors and is a founding member of its therapeutic riding committee.

Ford met Holland at a horse show in Idaho, where she saw the young equestrian showing at halter with the aid of a motorized scooter. After talking with Holland and her mother, Christine, Ford learned of the young lady’s challenges and the fact that she had lost her right leg, above the hip. Ford also discovered Holland’s passion for horses and her drive to one day ride and show again. It didn’t take Ford long to convince her Foundation colleagues to take on the challenge of helping Katie realize her dream.

Around the same time, Holland drew special attention from APHA judge Tom Crowley, of Kellogg, Minn. At an APHA-approved horse show in Montana, Crowley witnessed Holland’s showing at halter, while leading her horse with her scooter. He was deeply moved by what he saw.

“She was so inspirational. At the show there was so much support for Katie from other exhibitors and from everyone there. It really brought out the best in people. You could really see their love for horses and love for people, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Crowley, who is president and CEO of St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Wabasha, Minn., pledged $500 for the first grant to help Katie get back in the saddle.

“We are gaining so much support for this project,” said Ford. “It has just been absolutely incredible how this story is unfolding.

“The first time I saw Katie, I just knew we had to get this remarkable young lady a saddle so she could ride and show again,” said Ford.

Saddle maker offers perfect fit for Foundation

Key support for the project came when Bird, the saddle maker, signed on for the challenge of getting Holland back in the saddle. Although Bird was not specifically aware of APHF’s plan for Katie, he was familiar with the Foundation’s work to support therapeutic riding programs.

The Foundation has raised approximately $50,000 for therapeutic riding the past two years and conducted its first-ever therapeutic riding classes at the 2009 Summer APHA World Show in Fort Worth, Texas. At that event, the Foundation spotlighted the riding talents of 32 children and 25 Paint Horses from seven therapeutic riding centers as part of the event. It also awarded grants to the centers to continue their work.

“It seemed like a natural fit that we should be involved,” said Bird’s son, Brett, who assists his father with Bird Therapy Saddles. The two also serve as pastors at their local church.

Together, the Birds own 13 American Paint Horses. They compete at team roping events around the nation and are among the top-10 finishers in APHA World Show team roping events. The saddle maker competed at APHA World Shows in 2001, 2002 and 2005 in his customized saddle.

Today, Randy is making it possible for others to experience the same miraculous transformation that he has made in riding again. He has crafted approximately 600 therapy saddles being used around the world. Bird has made therapeutic riding saddles for Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Champion Bull Rider Jerome Davis, who suffered from paralysis after a 1998 tragedy, as well as other PRCA performers who have been awarded Bird’s therapy saddles through the PRCA’s Crisis Fund. 

The Bird family jumped into the American Paint Horse Foundation project with the same dedication they have shown for similar projects, offering to meet with Holland, build her saddle and give practical training advice. The APHF welcomed their help and appointed the family—Randy; son, Brett; and wife, Linda—to the Foundation’s successful therapeutic riding committee.

“Randy is a truly gifted individual, a talented saddle maker, a Paint Horse owner and a man with a big heart,” said Ford. “He brings so much to the Foundation as we carry out our mission.”

The road ahead

To get the “Back in the Saddle” project started, the Foundation flew Katie and her mother to Texas to visit the Dallas/Fort Worth area and meet with Bird. It proved to be a productive gathering. Bird and Holland discussed their riding challenges and the saddle-maker developed an understanding for Holland’s wishes, needs and desires.

He also took careful measurements and worked closely with Holland on a saddle design that would be functional and beautiful. The saddle maker also took into consideration the balance factors that would come into play for the horse, and every detail, including shape of the saddle tree, was considered.

Bird’s saddle creation for Holland is now underway at his shop in Celeste.

The goal of this first Foundation “Back in the Saddle Project” follows a specific timeline with well-defined objectives, which include:

• July 3,  2010—Foundation awards Randy Bird custom-made saddle to Katie Holland during APHA Summer World Show in Fort Worth, Texas.
• November 2010—Katie Holland returns to Fort Worth to compete in new saddle at APHA Fall World Show.
• Ongoing—Fund drive to pay Holland’s travel expenses and provide for show clothes and other related costs.

To help raise funds for the “APHF Back in the Saddle” program, Clay Gant of Cowboy Bronze in Cross Timbers, Mo., has agreed to create a limited edition series of special “American Paint Horse Foundation Back in the Saddle” bronzes. Donors who contribute $1,000 and up to the program will receive one of 25 inspirational bronzes, aptly titled “APHF Back in the Saddle,” depicting a youngster saddling up a horse. Those who contribute $100 and up will receive a commemorative print from artist Samantha Rosen of Justin, Texas. Both Gant and Rosen have supported the Foundation’s therapeutic riding initiatives in the past with their creations.

Follow project progress at http://aphfoundation.org

At http://aphfoundation.org , people can check out Holland’s visit with Bird. They can also track Bird’s progress as he develops the custom saddle for Holland. The Web site will also track Holland’s progress as she prepares to enter the show arena again in the near future. People will also witness the “Back in the Saddle” bronze creation as Gant develops the piece from start to finish.

People can also make donations to the “Back in the Saddle” project at http://www.aphfoundation.org/katie/donate.aspx.

 Randy Bird and his therapy saddles

For details about how Randy Bird Therapy Saddles are made, or for more information about their design, visit http://www.birdranches.com/Saddles/therapy.htm.

 More about the American Paint Horse Foundation

The American Paint Horse Foundation is the “heart” of the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), an equine organization that has registered nearly 1 million American Paint Horses around the world.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to bettering the world of horses and people at the same time. The Foundation raises funds for therapeutic riding programs that help people rehabilitate through the healing power of horses. It also administers a college scholarship program, works to preserve the heritage of the American Paint Horse and supports equine research to ensure that the horse remains a healthy, vibrant and respected part of our culture.

For details on how you can become involved in this noble effort to improve lives through involvement with horses, call the American Paint Horse Foundation at (817) 834-2742 or visit http://aphfoundation.org .

The American Paint Horse Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.