I probably shouldn't have posted this however it made me with my family laugh to tears on the floor!

Do you fart in bed ? If this story doesn't make you cry for laughing so hard, let me know and I’ll pray for you. This is a story about a couple who had been happily married for years, the only friction in their marriage was the husband’s habit of farting loudly every morning when he awoke the noise would wake his wife and the smell would make her eyes water and make her gasp for air. Every morning she would plead with him to stop ripping them off because it was making her sick. He told her he couldn't stop it and that it was perfectly natural. She told him to see a doctor, she was concerned that one day he would blow his guts out. The years went by and he continued to rip them out. Then one Christmas day morning, as she was preparing the turkey for dinner and he was upstairs sound asleep, she looked at the innards, neck, gizzard, liver and all the spare parts, and a malicious thought came to her. She took the bowl and went upstairs where her husband was sound asleep and, gently pulling the bed covers back, she pulled back the elastic waistband of his underpants and emptied the bowl of turkey guts into his shorts. Sometime later she heard her husband waken with his usual trumpeting which was followed by a blood curdling scream and the sound of frantic footsteps as he ran into the bath room. The wife could hardly control herself as she rolled on the floor laughing, tears in her eyes! After years of torture she reckoned she had got him back pretty good. About twenty minutes later, her husband came downstairs in his blood stained underpants with a look of horror on his face. She bit her lip as she asked him what was the matter. He said, “Honey you were right… all these years you have warned me and I didn't listen to you.” “What do you mean?” asked his wife. “Well, you always told me that one day I would end up farting my guts out, and today it finally happened, but by the grace of god, some Vaseline and two fingers. I think I got most of them back in…….............…..”

I finished IT!

I needed to writed a paper on alittle bit about me, my challenges, goals and what the 2013 West Coast U.S. National PARA-Dressage Traing Sypmposium for a Scholarship tution.  I am so grateful for a great base that I was inspired to write and the help of my loving daughter and husband!  Here is what I submitted today!

My name is Emily Sheffield and I am an up and coming Para rider. I have always had a passion for riding horses and playing soccer.  I knew as a young girl that I was sure I would go to the Olympics in soccer or horse riding.  But as I got older I found myself in a number of difficult family and health situations that derailed my dreams. It was not until my own children were old enough for me to send them to learn horse riding that I realized my passion had only been on hold, and was not gone. It’s funny how life can come back at you like that. 

Unfortunately, my renewed passion had still not come at an ideal time. Around that time I just undergone  three major surgeries on my stomach, esophagus, and gall bladder. I wasn't healing well after my third surgery. I had a sharp Gastrointeroligist doctor that concluded that I needed a brain CT scan.  Doctors’ found a mass in my brain that was operated on.  In that surgery a seven mm tumor was in the center of the brain with hydrocephalus, which would have eventually killed me, was mostly removed. To have the surgery I had left my family, three children ages three to fifteen, to go out of state to where the specialist who performed the operation is located. I stayed a month to recover before I was able to come home. Though I did my best to educate myself and stay positive through this time of challenge, I had to take the surgery option with a leap of faith!  

 I woke up from surgery a different woman. Before surgery my leg had started to buckle regularly beneath me when I walked, but after I was walking again!  I started to rehabilitate, and continued to do better.  But the recovery process after brain surgery is long. Even three years later I was still, to a certain degree, fragile. Which is why when my family and I were in a car crash during that time that they were able to walk away from it with little to no damage; but for me it resulted in a concussion, whip lash, memory loss, dizziness, headaches, balance issues, and contusions all throughout my body.  I had been suffering major vitamin deficiencies before the accident from damages caused by the three stomach surgeries and damage from tumor mentioned before, and this too contributed to the intensity of the injuries I sustained.  Additionally, doctors found that the plate that covered the burr hole cut into my skull for the brain surgery had sunk in and the screws where coming out of my head!  I literally had a few screws loose. This led to my second brain surgery.  It was after this brain surgery that I lost 70% of my balance, had more extensive short term memory challenges, as well as lost more of my comprehension, word retrieval,  organization,  and concentration capabilities. Whether as a result of the physical damages or the mental strain I now also cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, slurring words, depression, and anxiety. 

These, along with the worsening of my balance, my quality of life was steadily decreasing.  I was referred to a Hearing and Balance Center. They found that while most people have a number of ways to balance themselves, I was only able to balance using visual cues.   I was incredibly encouraged that, while there was some damage that can’t be reversed, much of it was that the brain had simply forgotten how to use the equilibrium and connection to brain and feet.  This meant I had to go to work!  I got to the point in my physical therapy that I needed to try to rehabilitate from off the ground.  It was here, finally, that my early and rediscovered passions were able to begin culminating into something real. .  Horse riding was a perfect fit!  I started, and enjoyed, hypo-therapy at a facility called Courage Reins. For three and a half years I worked to rehabilitate and was able to recover about  53% of my balance! One of the therapy techniques included being taught Biomedic dressage. I loved it!   It has been a key to where I am now. Although my other struggles persist, I do have greater balance back in my life, in both senses of the word.

My current trainer suggested Paralympics because she knew my dream of going to the Olympics. I have been thrilled with the idea and both of us haven't looked back! I understand that there is a process to qualify for the Paralympics.  The work that will be required in getting to my ultimate goal is not new to me.  I am excited to be a part of this Symposium because I know that my trainer and I will be able to be taught how to better qualify me as a Para Rider, continued team work with my trainer, where I am in my skills, and what tools I need in my journey.  

I hope you will consider me as a candidate for this scholarship.  

Journey to Rio

Paralympics 2016

10-22-13

We have bumped up my riding to get ready for competition in February.  Its been fun to ride more and I am learning more.  I will get to today in a little bit.  Mondays lesson was focused on teardrops and 3 serpentines.  For example: A teardrop reverse. Okay I am having a hard time putting visual to words. Look at a tear and visually look at the letters in the Dressage Arena and there you go. :-)  I will try to put words to the serpentines.  Start from H make a loop and face the S, come to the S and loop to B then loop to A and do it the other side.. Lol I don't remember the letters.  I finally caught on in that same lesson.  It was fun.  I also was riding on the right diagonals that day too. The rhythm was good with Ari and me.  

Today's ride was totally different. Cool thing happened, I was able to remember how to do each step in putting Ari's bridle on and only had verbal instruction from a kind rider name Joan (whom I really like!) when I lost what I was supposed to do with the next step.  I did it.  Wow.. Ari was awesome.  I was grateful he didn't fight me or try to mouth me.  He was very submissive to my inadequacy.. I am doing better.  This truly is a process..  Today I had mixed emotions and they came through.  Really it started last night when I needed to write about me and my challenges, overcoming them, goals and what I want to achieve from the Symposium. It really is still tough for me think about what I went through with 3 stomach and esophagus surgeries then tumor, brain surgery, car accident and another brain surgery. Then to have my counselor relay to me what the tumor and surgeries have robbed me from, was heart wrenching to me.  I know that I need to continue to understand that I have come so far in my rehabilitation. That I have been so blessed to even be walking and knowing that its a miracle that I am still living.  Okay enough… today's ride I was not remembering my diagonals as well, even the feel.  It was helpful for Marlo to tempo it out in my earpiece that I wear to hear her.  There was even some confusion on the tear drop.  I was so excited for the chance to be on lunge line for a first canter.  My balance was off so I kept going forward.  I am encouraged to know that Ari was taking care of me and so was Marlo.  Yes, I wish it would have gone differently.  However, practice will correct my balancing and sitting tooshi back. It was nice to remember my soccer days and how much I needed to practice dribbling looking up, how I kick, team work, heading the ball, corner kicks, goal kicks, throw the ball in, penalty kicks and kicks that made goals from full back.  It took amazing coaches and determination to get it done!  I am grateful that these memories have been coming back and placed for a reason.  I am suppose to go to the Paralympics and I am suppose to work hard along with my coach and Ari to make this amazing goal happen.    

Journey to Rio

Paralympics

10-16-13

Wow how time is flying.. Wednesday's training was so fun and challenging!  It was my first full day of riding knowing that Ari is my responsibility as his owner.  I used all my new tack to groom him.  It felt so good to just know that I am becoming more independent on my responsibility with him.  A couple of challenges I am working through on tacking Ari.  The putting on and taking off his bridle and cleaning his back hoofs.  Marlo has been awesome in helping with these two challenges.  Putting on Ari's bridle is a challenge for me because of all the steps that occurs in quick session.  I know that repetition and hands on help will be the key in to master this challenge.  I am not sure how yet to master the hoof cleaning on Ari's hind hoofs.  What happens is that I completely get out of breathe and get dizzy.. Weird sensation.. I am not sure why.. His front legs I am good with, it may take a couple pauses to gather strength to complete but it gets done.  He is happy to see me and wants to work.  I like that and I want to work too.  

I watch Marlo warm him up on a lunge line. I got on after and did my exercises while walk with Ari except for the leg stretch to position my V.  Marlo taught trained me on my squares with Ari.  Making sure I didn't move his neck just his body when making a square, its to engage my lower body to move him not using my reins.  I also worked on posting trot to halt. Worked on my posting diagonals, understanding what sides to post on and when to transition onto the other wall.  I am working on feeling this motion so that I do not look.  I get a little off balanced when I look down to see if I am posting correctly or looking at his shoulder to match my down beat.  I am continuing to make this stick so it comes natural.  I love the feel of things that are natural.  I thought a lot about my soccer days again after my ride.  How it came natural as I practiced and had fun with it.  

I need to figure out how to post pictures and videos. Any sugguestions? :-)

Journey to Rio

Paralympics

10/10/13

Wednesday training was a good reminder that practice and patience are a good pair!  I watched Marlo on Ari for a time. I was paying attention to her ability to train and of course how her position was with on the sitting trot.  I got on Ari and went through my exercise routine.  I found that my left side wasn't connecting as well as the right in sensation.  My legs were tense still probably from the drive up.   However I was so excited to be riding.  Marlo's points: sit back and be in the middle of the salad bowl, L shape with my elbow and wrist supple, pushing forward with my fist on a two by four and my thighs like a V esp on transitions and not to grip with my caves or feet.. Ari will go faster lol   I had forgotten some of this and I tilted more forward feeling out of balance. I was grateful for Marlo's insight on continuing to learn to focus on the the positive.  She said I am doing well on my posting trot.  That meant a lot to me knowing when Marlo came and trained me at Courage Reins she was helping me with my trot.  I was trotting like a toilet lid slamming down on the poor horse's back lol.. 

I remember how driven I was when I played soccer. I played for about 10 yrs. I was excellent at it.  Goals from fullback position, our team always in 1st place, I was blessed to be MVP all the time.  I demanded excellence in myself and if I fell short of it I expected myself to practice more to perfect my game and stamina.  I feel the same way in what I am doing here for the Paralympics.  The difference is that I need a visual plan in place to see my progress.  In soccer I didn't know I was getting where I ended up at.  I was quite young.  I train with a plan now.  I am having fun like I was in soccer.  Ari is on my team and I need to treat him as one of the most valuable players besides my trainer, Marlo.  Train, school shows, competition gradually advancing to a higher levels till I am done and pray my scores will qualify me for the Paralympics!  

So much to do and I feel there is little time.  Is that so?  Marlo says that If I put my mind to it I can accomplish anything!  So, then I can do this, go to the Paralympics.  :-)

Journey to Rio

Paralympics

Friday was a fun and good to observe Ari's body language. Marlo and I agreed to lunge him.  After the lunging Marlo would give him a massage… I watch Marlo's cues of walk, trot and canter.  Ari did well on the cues, just a couple times he was more spirited on his canter ;-) We talked about some of the challenges that I have faced and eating on the road when we travel.  I love the juicing idea.  I will bring my protein mix, fruit and veggies.  I will also be happy to bring my vita mix..:-)

Then Marlo took him back and I helped her get Ari back onto the cross ties.  Oh wow to see him melt when she was massaging the muscle of his shoulders and hind quarters was a sight to see.  I haven't seen a horse melt like that, it was impressive.  I was in front of Ari's face.  Marlo pointed out that it was to close and ask me to go along side him.  I recognized that he needed to not be distracted with me being in front of his face.  He was nudging a little to hard with his face.  Respecting my space and his is a good to observe in your horse.  

Marlo and I talked about Paralympics.  She knows the other 2 other gals that are qualifying along with me in the state of Utah.  They are in qualifying for different grade levels.  She will be calling them this weekend to see if we can all meet up.  We are hoping we may travel together for competitions.  I would love to get to know these ladies and travel with them if possible.  Strength in numbers. :-)

Oh wow, the loan is still in review.  They were hoping that we could come in and sign on Sat.  It didn't happen.. sigh!! It has been passed the 15 days.  Get it done already lol seriously.. Monday, I will call as soon as the bank open for a report.  Hoping that we will sign that afternoon or evening before they close.  My thumbs are getting very tired!! Patience is a virtue.. RIGHT :-)

I am so excited to have Ari as my first horse.  He is fun, full of energy, forgiving, respectful, encouraging, he tests, he is more of an inter vert however that is a response to transition from one owner to another, responsive in my actions and what he needs to do, helpful and he wants to work like me.  

Journey to Rio

Paralympics

7

So, I committed to this month and next months boarding.  I asked for copies of everything on Wednesday.  I am planning on the purchase of Ari at that time pending the release of funds that I have applied for this amazing Journey.  I pray that they will come in on Wednesday purchase..

Marlo commented that I am getting the routine.  I just need to be a little more quick on the draw.  It will come.  I am grateful for the help with the reins.  I haven't mastered this yet.. It will come.  I am excited to get my own grooming products along with bridle, stirrups, gearth, saddle, 3 blankets, 2 pads, stool, broom (red) lol, halter and lead rope.  Marlo has been kind enough to let me use her things. I hope I have taken good care of them.. 

Marlo warmed up Ari.  I was off lead rope.  We worked on walk halts, walk, trot halts and trot halts.  It is to establish that Ari will not blow me off and that I may get my seat along with quick transitions crisp. Marlo says, I did well and Ari caught on well.  I had fun doing this lesson.  It becomes a game in my mind. I did mix up cues. Like instead of transitions warning from my thighs, I squeezed Ari to go forward. lol This happens some of its normal and other times my brain isn't comprehending (this is normal for me)  As a child I was diagnosed with a comprehension challenge and having brain surgeries it has enhanced this challenge.  This can be embarrassing, challenging, frustrating and a blessing at times.  My hope for all those that are my family, friends or that work with me understand this doesn't hold me back.  Thankfully I am a researcher and this has helped.

Journey to Rio

Paralympics

We had fun on Friday a lot of new things learned and experienced.  I came in early to see if Marlo was teaching another student.  The student wash't there so I learn about more things that Ari needs. He needs a therapy blanket (this one helps his muscle to be stimulated, to keep him warm, loose and a regular blanket warmth in the winter. Grooming and putting a saddle on him was better, working on the bridle part. There was a lot of energy in the barn.  The change of weather had an effect on the horse and there moods.  It was stormy (snow). Sounds do catch my attention and distract me only to a point.  Its the loud ones that I tense on.  Although it was exciting to me that I had remembered what I use to do when I was playing soccer or jumping, it was silent or on muted sound.  No, distractions and my performance was great!  I experience the same thing on Ari.  With the exception of Marlo's voice I could hear.  (earbuds)  

Since my brain surgeries my hearing has enhanced sound esp. loud sounds.  I am still trying to work through the sound of drilling in my head.  That's what loud sound feels like to me.   However, when focus intently on something like learning on Ari I am happy that this effect doesn't happen.  Marlo had me take my hands and touch each fingers as I breathe to settle the effect.  Which in this case was one of the horses, what seemed to me having a temper tantrum and was kicking his stall along with being angry with his voice.  Ringing in my ears is distracting too. That has gone on a lot this last week.  My rib cage is improving in its healing. Yeah!! 

I was offered to go to a clinic for Ari and I this weekend on Saturday and Sunday by Diane.  Although, it would have been a good one.  I had too much going on, family was in town, I needed to rest, and money was a factor.  I explained to Marlo that asking in advance would have a better results.  I also expressed that I not show or ride on Sundays. It is a decision I have made.  Marlo and I talked since I haven't bought Ari we would wait and I am grateful. :-)  We talked about the right saddle and bridle for me.  I will go to horse crazy to purchase all tac.  I went to REI on Saturday and got my jacket!  Oh wow its sweet!!  I am excited to have Marlo put her logo on it.  It is so warm and movable!  With all the new things that I am purchasing, Marlo is teaching me how to care for all these things.  It is work and I don't mind it, some of it is relaxing.  

Marlo warmed Ari up, I was trying to focus on how she balances through her thighs and position movements.  I was somewhat distracted due to the other horse and other riders. It was good for me to continue to refocus on the task at hand (which is visual learning)

I got on after and went through my exercises and started to walk/ trot on lead.  I hope I can explain this hand position.  Taking the reins with closed hands, thumb slightly bend forward like I was resisting a plank, elbows bent to my side, wrist supple. I was able to post trot too. I continue to work on my transitions.  I enjoyed riding..