A friend approached me during the Youth World trail prelims to ask if I had heard about the incredible 224.5 score posted by 18 year old Eye L Be Good (a/k/a Stella) and her owner Cassidy Miller of Carlsbad, California. I was intrigued because the roan mare had been owned by the family of my principal at Bradenton Academy, Dr. Susan Hedgecock of Florida. With over 1000 AQHA points to her credit, and an ownership record reading like Who’s Who, (including my good friend TW Grose), I smiled at how the mare scored higher than 115 other teams in the trail prelims, and missed making it back to the finals by a mere 2.5 points. Purchased sight unseen on a leap of faith for her current owner, this story is about an extraordinary partnership.

At first glance, 19-year-old Cassidy Miller is a beautiful California girl, and I knew she and I would be fast friends at “hello”. Sparkling from head to toe in “bling” this girl had it “goin’ on” and I couldn’t wait to learn where she had purchased her fabulous accessories. After a few minutes of friendly “girl talk”, I sat down with Cassidy and her equally beautiful mother, Kellie, to learn about their story of perseverance, determination, love and HOPE.

Kellie Dunn was a mother full of anticipation for the birth her first child, and had opted to forgo any ultrasounds during her pregnancy as things were progressing normally, and she had no desire to learn the sex of her child. Her world came to a shocking standstill when Cassidy was born not breathing, and her head filled with fluid. Upon examination, doctors were uncertain if Cassidy was born with a brain as it had been compressed into her sinus cavity. After installing a shunt to drain the fluid, the brain began to expand; however she was left blind in one eye, and forced to undergo numerous surgeries. One surgery at age 6 left Cassidy paralyzed on one side, and unable to sit up. Additionally a tumor was removed from her face due to displaced brain cells that had continued to develop.

With a determination to help Cassidy overcome her monumental challenges, Kellie enrolled her daughter in a therapeutic riding program in the first grade to achieve balance. The results were nothing short of miraculous! Under the tutelage of Gay Staten, the youngster flourished and was competing against regularly-abled riders within only a few short years. Although still faced with both physical challenges and learning disabilities, Cassidy continues to persevere as an equestrian through sheer determination and a mother’s love. Her first partner along the journey was an American Quarter Horse named Dells Policy. Cassidy points out with enthusiasm that her love of the breed is based upon the fact that “they are not crazy!”

The common factor that I hear from my all of my friends with disabilities is that horses are NEVER judgmental. Cassidy said that she immediately felt at home in the horse industry due to the “maturity” and compassion of her peers. Cassidy shares that an important secret to her success has been an unrelenting dedication to lessons. Her insight is truly inspirational. With many challenges to overcome, Cassidy’s partial blindness alone can make executing high level obstacles extremely difficult due to her lack of sight and depth perception. When backing through an “L” as an example, she has adapted a technique on her blind side where she looks over her good side and completely turns her body to contemplate the obstacle. Under the guidance of current trainer, Liz Place, Cassidy and Stella find no challenge too great. This outstanding team came to the 2010 Youth World Show nationally qualified in trail which was no easy feat!

As I have stated in previous articles, my campaign for AQHYA President was HOPE (Helping Other People Excel)! I was extremely honored to have Cassidy sign my banner of HOPE with her special message “You Can Do It” and take a picture with my horse “Hope” who has been my inspiration to help make a difference. Although she has made the monumental leap to compete in mainstream competition, Cassidy, like me, would love to see AQHA offer Equestrian with Disabilities classes at the World Show level. Kellie adds that EWD riders offer a huge growth opportunity for our industry, yet the challenge for many of the riders will be the monumental expense. She and Cassidy would like to see AQHA’s lease programs expanded so that more youth can afford to participate in our sport at every level.

Cassidy’s former horse was nominated for a Silver Spur award, but I have a feeling that her special partner Stella is more than worthy of a similar nod! I’d love to hear your support for this great team! Today, Cassidy maintains a Facebook page where she hopes to make new friends and share inspiration for others. I hope many of you will send her a friend request and watch for her at upcoming events. The good news for her fellow youth exhibitors is that this was Cassidy’s last year of eligibility at the Ford Youth World. The bad news is – “Look out amateurs – here she comes”!!!!!!!!

^{Halter photo © The American Quarter Horse Journal.}