Photos courtesy of Kimberly Lind Photography.
Alice is a lifelong equestrian. When the day arrives that she can no longer ride, she will still be an equestrian in her heart. So many of us have interests that fuel us through life’s ups and downs, such as gardening, hiking, writing and so on. For Alice, that fuel has always been horses—and dogs are a close second. Photos of her horses and dogs over the years are visible throughout her home, bringing up great memories.
It’s been seven years since Alice’s horse, Poco, passed away—a love that still brings tears to Alice’s eyes. Alice has pushed through cancer and strokes, with lingering effects on her memory, peripheral vision, and core strength, and she was afraid that continuing to ride in her condition would take too much out of her. Her doctor was concerned about Alice riding, too. Don, Alice’s husband, sought ideas from their friends. “How could we get horses back in her life and be safe?” The answers led Alice to Little Bit.
After three months in the Little Bit Adaptive Riding Program, Alice shared, “I was crying the first time I rode Molly because I was riding a horse again. I like the way she responds. She doesn’t try to get her own way. She was pretty solid. There was nothing to be worried about.” Don shared, “Riding begins to rebuild her core muscles, and Alice’s back doesn’t bother her when she’s done riding. It’s muscular exercise she doesn’t get anywhere else. Instructor Joan does a good job of communicating and giving her challenging tasks. She does a really first-rate job of mixing mental work and riding skills to create a wonderful experience every week. I feel [Alice is] very, very safe [at Little Bit].”
Family members, like Don, know that emotions are a huge part of the disability experience. Don sees an emotional change in Alice since she began riding at Little Bit—more happiness. “I’m just so happy that she’s able to get back riding. The day that we go [to Little Bit], she has a big smile. Alice will cancel a doctor’s appointment but not her Little Bit ride. It’s emotionally uplifting.”
Don continued, “None of us know when we might need the services that Little Bit provides. It’s a wonderful facility and unique combination of skilled staff and therapeutic resources—the programs are so positive. Everyone should have the opportunity to visit and support the work they are doing.”
Alice is a Seattle area native, many years ago hitching her horse outside the original Bellevue JCPenney, on land that is now Bellevue Square. She’s also an honorary lifetime member of the Lake Washington Saddle Club, a non-profit organization formed in 1945. Alice was part of a core group who threw themselves into successfully saving Bridle Trails State Park when it was in jeopardy of closing. Each year the club honors an individual with the “Alice Prince Award” for their support of the park. Jennifer Duncan, president of the club, shared, “All of us who love horses, who ride regularly, and are reaching a certain age . . . it’s exciting to think that this opportunity exists. It’s an incentive to make sure that [Little Bit] survives and thrives.”
Alice’s riding at Little Bit today completes a circle, given that she volunteered at Little Bit many years ago; she gave then, not knowing that one day she would receive. Alice, Little Bit is honored to earn your trust and to safely provide an opportunity for you to achieve your best quality of life. Welcome back.
Written by Sharon Soldenwagner
