Joseph Bailey Jr. (aboard) carrying the Stars and Stripes at TROT’s 40th Anniversary Celebration.
©Sandy Webster
VETERANS UNDER THE TUCSON SKY BY JANICE BRYSON
I want to introduce you to U.S. Navy veteran Joseph Bailey Jr., who suffered a spinal injury affecting his left side as a result of falling from a light cruiser during a NATO mission in Europe. In 2012, the New York native arrived in Tucson, Ariz., to enjoy the western lifestyle. He is 66 years old and after his injury, had an anklefoot orthosis – commonly known as an AFO – designed that he wore from calf-to-shoe to support his heel-toe action. Years later, an electric device was developed for his leg that charges his muscles and helps with his left side issues. Joseph (pictured above and on the facing page) has been coming to Therapeutic Riding of Tucson, known as TROT, for more than 5 years now, and looks forward to his weekly visits. He began by learning to groom and tack his horse before learning to ride. Safety is always paramount at TROT; a new rider may be assisted by two volunteers as side walkers, who walk alongside the horse, as well as a dedicated horse handler. Joseph also learned that he should dress appropriately; riding boots have helped give him the same support as his AFO’s only a lot more fun. While riding, the horse’s four beat walk creates a repetitive swinging motion in the horses back including front to back, side to side and rotational throughout each stride. This motion is passively transferred to the rider, resulting in mobilization of the pelvis and spine, development of core strength, improved balance and increased coordination. The same upper body strength, coordination and flexibility is replicated in our own ability to walk correctly. Therefore, for someone with ambulatory difficulties it is the very ticket to launch steps 14 :: summer 2018 :: western ag life
that may not otherwise develop. Building core strength is a very important part of therapy. Your core muscles surround your trunk and are at the center of your body. These muscles support your spine and hips, and are involved in performing virtually every movement of the limbs. Having a strong core can help reduce lower back pain because all of the muscles surrounding your spine are stable. Joseph says TROT has very skilled instructors. He enjoys what each offers, and remembers to always think of his horse as his partner. The training received has taught him how to have control of his horse, making him feel safe and an effective communicator. TROT Program Director Sandy Webster emphasizes that the instructors only teach with positive reinforcement. They want to build confidence and self-esteem in the riders. Joseph feels being around the horses helps veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over the years, Joseph has developed a bond with his horse and the volunteers at TROT. Learning to trust again is important and caring for another helps the veterans to look beyond themselves. Joseph knows that some of the veterans have difficulty even leaving their house. TROT offers the opportunity of a setting to enjoy that is not military. It is another outlet; they have fun with each other and the free cantina offers good camaraderie after the lessons. Riding gives them something to talk about with their families and they have a sense of accomplishment. In time, they should be able to go to dinner or on an outing with their family. TROT offers a day-camp experience, Kids of Heroes, which serves children from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, whose parent or
