Zia Hussein

After being on the waiting list for over a year Zia was delighted to take up a cancellation space in October 2019 and accepted a permanent place a month later.  Zia was  in her final year of university when multiple sclerosis was diagnosed.  She said it "stole my independence, my mobility and my confidence"  Now she walks with great difficulty, with two sticks and uses a wheelchair.  Our hydraulic lift was ideal for mounting.  Balance in the saddle was  difficult for Zia as her core muscle strength was extremely poor and both legs were weak, especially the right one.  We needed two side walkers and a volunteer walking behind to continuously check her position, because her whole body swung from side to side as the horse moved.  There was a concern that we might not be able to help her.  Yet she enjoyed this first lesson so much, and promised that she would practise the exercises given to her to do at home, we felt we should persevere.

Just as we were beginning to see improvements Covid struck and Zia was upset that riding had to stop. 

Once we were allowed to have independent riders with one bubble member or carer, we brought Zia back for a trial,and using her carer husband on the hydraulic platform and then as a side walker, we decided it was safe. She had been doing her home exercises and was so delighted to be back.  Her smile made us all feel better. 

Despite the gaps in lessons because of the lockdowns, Zia made incredible progress.  Her side tilting disappeared and she managed a beautifully balanced sitting trot (led).  She bought a small mechanical saddle on which to practise her exercises at home.  It was Zia’s enthusiasm and her delight in riding, her interest and encouragement to other riders that impressed us all.  Zia picks up with gratitude any rider cancellations that appear, often at the last minute.  

Here are her words:  "It was a fantastic feeling, going from 3ft off the ground to 7ft.  My posture is now positive and erect (impressing my physiotherapist) and I have good balance.  My overall confidence is boosted  and I come away with a feeling of accomplishment and achievement.  When I am riding I am free!"  No wonder Zia makes us all feel proud. 

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