Meagan
Dean is one young lady who knows how to ‘cowboy up’ when it comes to horses and living
life. This 19 year-old has been an inspiration to many in the horse industry. A
native Texan, Meagan has always loved horses, and she has continued her
involvement with horses despite what Dean calls a “few bumps in the
road.” When she was younger, her grandparents bought her riding lessons
for Christmas, and she eventually became involved with barrel racing. Dean used
her allowance to continue riding and pay for her lessons.
At
the age of 12, Meagan was involved in a car accident that paralyzed her from the
waist down. Her mother’s car was hit head on when someone coming from the other
direction was trying to go around a stopped car.
After
her accident, Dean realized that barrel racing would be too rigorous and
dangerous for her to compete, but, she still wanted to be involved with horses.
By word of mouth, her parents, Julie and Don, called AQHA World Champion
trainer and rider Nancy Cahill to see if she could find their daughter a new
horse. Cahill found a 14 year-old black gelding, Classified Zip (Zip), from
all-around trainer Reid Thomas. Reid’s mother runs a non-profit organization for
riders with disabilities called Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center. Last
December, Thomas raised over $40,000 for his mother’s riding program when he
won GoHorseShow.com’s 2nd Annual Trainer bowl.
Cahill
knew that Reid was the right person to call and try to find Meagan a horse.
Unfortunately, six-months after buying Zip, he foundered in the hot summer
weather and had to be put down. Despite this setback, Meagan was still
interested in showing and riding. Nancy called Reid again to see if he might
have another horse for Meagan. Thomas said that he had a real quiet grey
gelding, Hesa Country Hotrod (Rodney) that would be perfect, but, the only catch
was that he was just three years-old. Cahill said she was very cautious about buying
a horse so young for Meagan, but she was willing to try him out.
This
2006 gelding ended up being a perfect gentleman. “Rodney was real quiet,
and the handicapped ramp that Meagan has to use to get on didn’t faze him one
bit,” Nancy said. “He was a good boy. Her scooter didn’t bother him
either, and when she drives under his neck, he doesn’t move a muscle. These
horses know they have to be special when they are around people with limited
mobility.”
Nancy
said that when Meagan competed at the Texas Classic everyone stopped to watch
her. “I tell my clients that they should appreciate what they have. They
have no right to complain,” she said. “Meagan drives her own truck and
trailer, gets her own horse ready, and spreads out her horse’s shavings in the
stall. Meagan brings out the best in people, and she is truly an
inspiration.”
Cahill’s
assistant trainer, Michelle Tidwell says that the word “can’t” is not
in Meagan’s vocabulary. Tidwell, who is also an AQHA judge, says that she
remembers the first time Meagan showed her black gelding, Zip, and he didn’t
want to go into the show arena. “She was fearless and popped her crop on
his butt to make him go forward. She definitely ‘cowboyed up’ and that is one
of my fondest memories of her.”
Dean
also remembers two funny stories that happened to her when she was riding Zip
and Rodney. One time Zip’s girth was pulled way too tight for fear that the
saddle would slip. Zip ended up laying down with Meagan. “Zip’s eyes
started bulging and he laid down trying to scratch his belly,” Meagan
explains. “When I got off, they loosened the girth, and then, all of a
sudden, Zip gave out a humongous sigh of relief.”
The
other story involves the first time Dean rode Rodney–it was also an experience
she will never forget. “I got on him and about three steps away from the
handicapped ramp, Rodney shook really hard, and I flopped around like a
rag doll. Luckily, Nancy and Michelle were right beside me, and I was strapped
in my saddle. That was a little unnerving too!”
This
college student who is attending Blinn College located in Bryan, Texas wants to
eventually become an veterinarian involved with equine genetics research. Dean
currently shows in the Equestrian with Disabilities classes at the AQHA shows.
She and Rodney recently participated in the Equestrian with Disabilities
Showmanship class at the Texas Classic where she won first place and was
circuit champion. Dean rode her scooter while her new equine partner remained
obediently at her side and successfully completed the pattern. While new to
showing, this duo already act like old pros in the show arena. Dean’s new
challenge is to get him to execute a 360 turn while in her scooter.
Prone
to pressure sores, Meagan has been unable to ride for the past several months
until her sores healed. They were caused by an inadequate wheelchair and seat
cushion. BUT! She is excited to report that her doctor has given her the go
ahead to start riding again. She is looking forward to getting back in the
saddle.
Dean
is the first to admit that some days are tough. “Sometimes I just lay in
my bed and cry. It is emotionally and mentally draining having to deal with my
physical limitations. But, I have to keep reminding myself that there are many
things I want to do and accomplish,” she said. “I have to get up and
make myself happy.”
If
there is a road block in your way and you are frustrated, Meagan’s advice is to
keep going and trying. “Even if there is a problem, you can always do it
even if you have to do it a bit differently than other people. Never give
up!”
