Your Story Matters! MEET SARRAH PALMER EQUESTRIAN

Sarrah, now an animal lover, was born with microencephaly (small head) 46 years ago this month. Her early years were scary as she experienced seizures until she was two, then again during puberty. Microencephaly also affects learning, balance, and mood. For Sarrah, this means mood swings and taking longer to learn new things. Even though she takes some time

to learn something new, once she does, she never forgets. School was a significant challenge for Sarrah and Rita, her mother. IEP conversations were always difficult. Rita found herself fighting for Sarrah to get her needs met. Despite the fight Sarrah and Rita fought, the schools always fell short. Sarrah and Rita say that the schools refused to listen to them and Sarrah’s abilities. Sarrah knew she had more aptitude

than schools and social workers gave her credit for. Thankfully, Rita never underestimated Sarrah and ensured she had every opportunity to soar. Although the academic side of school was troublesome, Sarrah participated in cheerleading and floor hockey which she enjoyed. She also sang in choir and loved art. She was very meticulous with art and enjoyed it very much. Sarrah’s involvement in these

sports and activities aided her balance and self-esteem. It wasn’t until Sarrah discovered horses and horseback riding that she found her true passion, though. Sarrah says “horses give me freedom”. After being denied by a vet office, Rita helped Sarrah get started with OATS in Oct 2004. Sarrah began volunteering with the animals, mainly horses. Volunteering with the horses gave Sarrah her own identity separate from Rita. After volunteering for about 6 months, Sarrah got to start riding at OATS! Though she had previously ridden with Rita at other places, OATS was the first place Sarrah was able to ride alone and build her abilities. As a therapeutic riding barn, the OATS instructors have been able to help Sarrah grow in her equestrian abilities, confidence, and independence. Sarrah has been able to ride in horse shows like ASHAM through OATS, too. Sarrah rode Benny in the Kansas City Exceptional Challenge Cup and brought home the reserve national champion title. The National Saddlebred Association sponsors the show by providing horse transportation and entrance fees for riders.

Horses aren’t the only animal with a special place in Sarrah’s heart. She is also a chicken lover. She started raising chickens in 2015 with her first batch of 15. She likes to hold and feed her chickens while she talks to them. They have a great bond with each other, and the chickens follow Sarrah everywhere. She also has a duck, Woody, and two dogs, Ruby and Fiona. In 2014, Sarrah even got her own horses at her home. Sarrah helps take care of all the animals. Through her bond with animals, Sarrah has been able to gain confidence and independence.

Sarrah helps with household chores by doing laundry and cleaning the kitchen and floors.

Family is a very important part of Sarrah’s life. She has a good relationship with a cousin and visits and speaks with frequently. The ability to make and maintain relationships is important for all people and often a challenge for those with special needs. Sarrah’s relationships with those around her help her grow as an individual and give her the purpose all people deserve.

Sarrah wants to travel to Scotland and Ireland someday to see the castles. The National Geographic shows inspired Sarrah’s dream to visit. Sarrah has never let her special needs hold her back. She finds her way through, around, and over her challenges with support. Sarrah has big dreams of continuing to learn horse skills, too. She wants to learn to canter—a faster speed. She is learning to cook and bake, too. Sarrah is well-rounded as a person.

Rita shares that finding organizations to help families and children is nearly impossible. She says no one provides information for families freely and that finding help is through word of mouth or digging for services. Obtaining guardianship when Sarrah turned 18 was a way for Rita to ensure she would be cared for respectfully in her adult years. She says that raising a child with special needs is one of the hardest, most rewarding parts of her life. Rita has deep respect for and commends every parent with children with special needs. It is not easy, but struggle leads to triumph. With her family and friends supporting them, Rita and Sarrah have overcome a lot. Rita shares that despite the struggle: “I have been truly blessed by God in Him believing I could raise a child as special and amazing as Sarrah.”