@lizardlady Thanks for explaining, and so glad you didn't get crippled. Sorry you had bad accidents though.

Equine therapy (I only did it one day with a group of female veterans who had also experienced MST while in service) was helpful for us, but I was so afraid of falling of the therapy horses. My first horse was a mustang (my favorite now), my second horse was a Clydesdale, and my third and fourth horses that day were Quarter horses. I bonded with the mustang because it was my first horse I had groomed and then rode. The Clydesdale and I somewhat bonded when the very tall horse actually looked at me and then kneeled down so that I could brush its hair. I forget the sex/gender of the horses, so I'm using "it" instead of an identifiable gendered term. Although I rode all those horses in one day, I was afraid of falling and then causing my pelvic injuries more harm. Initially I was afraid of having my legs spread open to ride the horses, as I felt really self-conscious and uncomfortable (and sometimes still do), but the horses made me feel safe, as did the female workers who walked next to me while I learned to trot. I have a huge respect for those who can gallup on horses; I don't think I can get to that level anytime soon. Anyway, I've fallen in love with horses ever since. I'm hoping to get connected with the Vet Center to do some more horse therapy with other veterans soon; I just moved out of state, so I'll be meeting brand new people for the first time next month.

I cannot imagine what you and your husband must have went through with training horses though. One of the workers at the equine therapy place had broken his ribs trying to train a new Stallion or whatever it was called that just came in. Poor guy, but he was brave and plans on getting back on training the horses once he heals. I think he was a veteran, too. Some veterans I know are the bravest people ever! I'm one of the more wimpier veterans though, or more cautious and cognizant about my limitations - to put it another (positive) way. It's understandable that you found a new career.

Therapy as a career (and dream) sounds great! Thank you for being part of the many people who help people like me.