Sallie Stewart, a dressage rider, got on her horse without a helmet on February 17th, 2008. He took 6 steps and fell. Her husband performed CPR and saved her life (read Sallie’s story at this link). Sallie does not remember the fall or the time she spent in the ICU. Because she wasn’t in a coma, on a ventilator, and could move with assistance she didn’t qualify for rehabilitation therapy. All her therapy was done by her husband and 12-year-old son – neither of whom she could remember for many months. Sallie’s cognitive skills (IQ, concentration, etc) have been permanently affected, and she still has issues with some motor functions. But she’s back to riding and getting some of the best therapy possible on the back of a horse with a good trainer. “The price that you pay for a TBI is huge,” Sallie said. “You will emotionally bankrupt yourself. The post traumatic stress disorder you live with is an absolute nightmare. The financial ruin is something else. For anyone who doesn’t want to wear your helmet all I can say is you better hope to God [your spouse] really meant it when they said for better or for worse.”
See below for Sallie’s video presentation from the 2nd Riders4Helmets Helmet Safety Symposium and please always wear a helmet when you ride. (Read an overview report of the helmet safety symposium by Jackie Baker at this link).
Photo copyright: Riders4Helmets
Photo copyright: Riders4Helmets
Photo copyright: Sallie Stewart
Sallie’s story…..
I want to clarify. Mike Osinski has been Escogido’s trainer. Esco is not a grand prix horse, he has received clear instruction and is well trained due to Mike Osinski’s skill and percision. .
Recovery has been long, frustrating, and pushed my patience with myself to an extreame. My confidence in many area’s was shattered. Dressage training, is cognitive, riding with a trainer who is patient, precise and professional, has done wonders for self confidence.
Stride by stride, we are making progress….stride by stride.
Sallie, I know your story well, yet you still brought me to tears. What a lovely job you did speaking and sharing such a personal message that is so important for all equestrians to hear. Cath
Sallie, This is an amazing story. You did a beautiful job with your presentation and I know it will save many lives. It touched my soul. I am so glad you are doing so much better, and doing so well…and it will only get better and better from here. Praise God for the people in your life who have been such an important part, the crucial part, of your recovery. You are very blessed indeed, so are those who you have in your life. One day and one stride at a time.
Sallie, I was there at the KY Horse Park and saw your presentation – thank you so much for sharing your story and for helping people become aware of the full costs of traumatic brain injury from equestrian accidents. I appreciated your honesty and your frankness…you painted a clear picture of what your recovery was like. All the best to you and wishing you even better days ahead.
Lisa
Well done Sallie, let your journey of discovery be a long and prosperous one
Sallie – Glad to be MANY TBI survivors that support you. Our voices are raising up awareness, Sallie!
GREAT job on this talk! Keep going! So proud!
your biggest fan.
Paul