The title isn’t going to do this post just, but I have been having a hard time figuring out how to appropriately title (and even write) this blog post to really tell this story and share how amazing this woman is.
I met Abby during a portrait session at 24 Hour Fitness (download the current SolanoFit or pick up a magazine to read her inspirational story). Her feature was a 2 part feature so not only did I witness her intense workout, but I had a chance to meet up with her at Rush Ranch to photograph her as she interacted with the horses at the ranch.
Now, I don’t know much about horses (other than what I have learned about miniature horses from my father-in-law), but the one thing I knew (or thought I knew) was that stallions were the ones to stay clear of because of their potential temperament.
So, imagine my surprise when Ms. Abby walked up to this gigantic (and by gigantic I mean an over 2,000 lb Friesian with a mane that even Fabio would envy) stallion named Apollo and started petting him. I was standing a good 10 feet away because frankly, his size was intimidating.
It was amazing to watch him react with nothing but love and admiration for Abby. He was gentle and calm with her and responded promptly to her every command. I was in complete awe!
Here was Abby with nothing but her voice to handle this huge horse and he responded like a puppy out of training school – obedient, gentle, loving, careful and longing for her attention.
Look at the trust between them…
After Apollo shared his time with us, we went out to the fields so I could meet the babies – a foursome of boys.
Again, my jaw dropped with awe as I witnessed the 2 boys on our side of the fence start trotting over to Abby as she made her way to them. You could tell by their gait that they were excited to see her and could not get to her fast enough. Yet, they trotted briskly to her and did not break into a run. Even they were gentle in Abby’s presence.
I wish I could pour out what I was really feeling and seeing during my visit in this post. There was so much more to this visit than a lady and her horses. There was a realization of trust, compassion, and blind love. These horses saw what I saw – not someone in a wheelchair, but instead someone head and body strong that is full of this zest for life that many people might never know. They wanted to be near her and I can honestly say that after spending a few hours with her, I could see why. Her strength, laughter and happiness is contagious.
Next, we headed out to meet another group of young boys. This bunch was equally eager for Abby’s attention and ran up to the gate fighting for prime position in front of the gate in hopes that they were selected for release and an outing with Abby.
This big guy was led out by Abby while the other two tried to squeeze their gigantic bodies through the gate. It was pretty comical watching these big horses act like babies hungry for Abby’s attention.
Just like the rest of the visit, it was amazing to watch him obey her every command. Again, with nothing more than her voice, she was able to get him to “perform” for me and walk circles around her – first slowly then with an accelerated pace. Then with one quick command from Abby, his quick gait was halted. I joked that I needed her to teach me these tricks for use with my own children. Okay, maybe I wasn’t fully joking.
Thank you, Ms. Abby, for an eye-opening, jaw-dropping, heart-warming, stomach-hurting-from-laughter, inspiring visit.
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