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Holyoke, MA
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An Open Letter From Lori Jubinville -- A TEC Rider
The Pfizer Fantasia - Equine Expo 2009
TEC UPCOMING EVENTS
TEC Board of Directors Meeting 2nd Monday of the Month
(call for location & time)
TEC Summer Picnic Saturday Aug 7, 2010 from 11 AM to 3 PM
TEC Horse Show Saturday Oct 31, 2010
2008 ANNUAL PICNIC
On June 21, T.E.C. held its annual picnic at the equestrian center. The Board of Directors hosted the event and provided everyone with food and beverages. A special visit by Stitches the Clown had everyone waiting in line to have their faces painted. If you would like to invite Stitches to your own event, please call Tammy at 413-592-4980 or visit Stitches' website at www.hemhafunco.com.
Photos courtesy of The Hem & Ha Fun Co.
Photos by Jeff Hill, courtesy of J. Clark Photo
Open Letter From Lori Jubinville
I’ve been riding at T.E.C. since 1997; I’d always
had a love for horses and an interest in the program, but thought it was
only for disabled children. Eventually, my husband Mark got tired of me
asking about their program everytime we passed by the stables on
Northampton Street. I was to say the least afraid to do it, afraid I
couldn't do it. Thankfully, he made the call I was too nervous to make.
We soon met with the director of the T.E.C. and one of the trainers – I,
of course, was wearing jeans and boots in preparation of a ride (turns
out the first time was for talking and paperwork). Mark could sense my
disappointment that day as we left, but I remember him saying not to
worry, that I would be riding soon – he was right, as I was on a horse
within a couple of weeks!
I had my first stroke in 1979, with three more to follow over the next
fifteen years. In spite of several physical and occupational therapy
programs, I’ve been left with only partial use of my left leg and have
suffered total loss in my arm. I hoped that riding would help to improve
my balance, and, having always had a love for these gentle giants
(horses) I thought what better way to rehabilitate! Anytime a friend or
relative comes to visit, I bring them to visit me at the T.E.C. so I can
show off. My mom and dad loved to see me sitting so straight and tall
atop the horses, and my brother Steve has even seen me trot and canter.
Nothing beats the big smile I have on my face while riding – I had set
out with the hopes of attaining better balance, but I have gotten so
much more. Not only has my posture improved, but also my confidence has
grown in all aspects of my life – I’ve come to feel so good about myself
that I began working with first grade children teaching CCD at
St.Patrick’s parish in South Hadley.
Perhaps the greatest reward comes from the fact that while I am riding
people see me and look into my eyes – they do not focus on the limp in
my walk or the inability to use my left arm. Prior to my first stroke, I
loved to run all throughout my childhood/teenage years. The strokes have
taken that away – I’ll never be able to run with my own two legs again.
Thanks to God, I feel like I’ve found a way of running once again – only
I’m using four legs instead of two. The horses have given me back that
wonderful thrill and sensation of running.
Since I began riding, I feel as though many doors have opened. I earlier
mentioned teaching at St. Patricks, and my dedication there has earned
me the Saint Pious X award. I’ve also earned numerous awards in the
riding shows at the T.E.C: third place, second place, and several first
place finishes – I’ve even won a “Best of Show”
Throughout my time there, the people of T.E.C. have always been so kind
to me. I’m always greeted by Judy Zedonis’s smiling face. And to think,
I was once afraid to have Mark call; I would admire the horses from
afar, but could never work up the courage to pick up the phone. Twelve
years after my husband Mark picked up the phone for me, you can’t get me
off those horses!
In June of 2005 I was diagnosed with a neorumuscular disease called
“Mitochondrial Disease” and have developed debilitating chronic pain
throughout my body. Along with extreme fatigue, and muscle weakness.
("Mito" Mitochondria are responsible for 90% of all energy needed by the
body and it's organs to function. this is where our energy to function
throughout the day comes from.) Riding has helped to give my legs a
gentle strech that has helped to ease the pain. While my muscles no
longer have the strength to do a lot of what I used to, riding and being
around the horses has remained a way for me to cope with the disease. To
this day, it continues to be one of the only ways I am able to exercise.
I pray that I will always be able to ride…
God Bless,
Lori Jubinville
The Pfizer Fantasia
NEWSLETTERS
Summer Newsletter 2009 - Volume Seven - July