Voices From The Comeback Trail

LLC
Six months ago my life career passion and quality of life were threatened. I contracted COVID and was very ill for two weeks and at the brink of recovery I came off a horse and sustained serious injuries. For a while I couldnt work could barely walk without assistance and required care 24 hours a day. It was the worst set of injuries I have ever experienced. With the help of a 14yearold offthetrack Standardbred gelding we call Two Bits we both recovered.
The road back
First I had to feel I had regained enough strength and agility to be around the horses to handle them on the ground to mountdismount and to feel stable in the saddle. Secondly I had to rid my mind of any imagery that suggested another accident or injury was likely to occur again. Lastly I had to work on conveying a sense of confidence to the horse when in the saddle so he didnt sense any fear or lack of confidence on my part making him feel that he needed to be the one in charge.
I first started using a walker until I was steady and strong enough to motor on my own. I gradually worked up to going for walks first a 14 mile adding a 14 mile each time. And it was hard and painful. As the weeks passed I started riding short distances and began strength work at home using resistance bands. My work as a chiro is also quite physical and that helped too. Eventually I worked my way back to being able to do steep hikes.
In April 2022 I did an intro ride about 15 miles on Two Bits in May we completed our first LD 25 miles together and in October we cruised through a 50milermy first since my accident and his first ever. Sharing the recovery journey with this amazing horse has given me much confidence and the will to go on.
Bruce Weary is a chiropractor based in Prescott Arizona
Dave Rabe
Within the AERC endurance community Dave Rabe is a legend. He has more recorded miles in the sport than any other rideras of May 2022 he had more than 76000 lifetime miles. Most of his horses have great longevity as well logging 5000 to 10000 miles each. Dave is also famous for his attirehe usually rides in cutoffs and tank top no matter the weather. He is equally admired