Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind… ~ William Shakespeare
“I love riding because I can feel the wind blowing across my face and the power and strength of the horse under me,” says Noah Carver of Beals, Maine, sharing a sentiment any 11-year-old boy might use to describe the magic of riding horses. Most recently, young Noah competed at the Granite State Appaloosa Association’s Regional Show in August at Skowhegan, Maine, securing two-third place ribbons and one-second place ribbon in Walk Jog Western Pleasure.
What is so significant about this, you might ask, besides the joy of reading about another youth getting hooked on horses? Noah, it just so happens, was born blind from Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, a rare genetic disorder that affects the retina from forming properly.
So in other words, Noah competes with his horse despite his lack of sight, and does it with amazing success. He was hooked on riding the moment he was introduced at age six to Melanie Gay, owner and trainer at Misty Morning Stables of Cherryfield, Maine. From that moment on, he didn’t look back, developing a great connection with horses. “I can feel the horse running under my body and it’s a wonderful feeling going through the air. I feel like we’re interconnected and I almost can tell how the horse is feeling: contented, impatient, or tired. It’s like we are one and are a working team. I enjoy it mostly because it’s just so fun,” explains Noah.
Noah began showing English in 2012, earning his first ribbons in Walk Trot Equitation, and English Pleasure, as well as an honorable mention in Barrel Racing. He determinedly graduated over the six years at Misty Morning Stables from being led in the ring to showing on his own for the first time in 2013, also earning ribbons in English classes and competing on his own in pole bending.
His success fueled his love for the sport, and demonstrating his tenacity, he continued to learn with the discipline of western on his horizon. At the Granite State Show in August, Noah followed a rider, friend Tori Rolfe (pictured left), who wore a wrist bell so he could show independently.
Noah also rides with a Bluetooth and iPhone in his front jeans pocket so his instructor, Melanie Gay, can give him directions from her cell phone, and spotters are positioned around the ring, just in case. According to Noah’s mom, Suzanne, there was almost a collective sigh of relief when Noah completed his Western Walk Jog class at Granite State, followed by a huge round of applause for each ribbon, along with a high five from one of the judges. “Melanie was so excited; she hung up on him and found me to call him back so she could verbally lead him out of the ring. There was an outpouring of support from the Misty Morning Stables team but also from the horse community in general. It was a lovely day and a wonderful experience for Noah,” tells Suzanne.
As demonstrated by his latest accomplishments of learning to canter as well as learning to jump with the assistance of his trainer, not much slows Noah down. “His dad and I have always found ways by adapting activities or equipment so Noah can participate as fully as possible. If Noah has an interest, we’ve found a way to make it happen,” explains Noah’s mom, Suzanne Carver. “He doesn’t consider his blindness a disability that limits him, but understands it as a different way of functioning in the world.”
Apparently not, since Noah’s list of activities include skiing with Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation in the winter, performing in his school’s musicals, earning high honors at school completing all his work in Braille, serving as school newspaper editor, running Cross Country with his team with the assistance of his dad, and he’s in his fifth season singing with Washington County Children’s Chorus (WCCC). “This past June they performed for ten days throughout the Morvan Region of France. His chorus director, Christine Guy, is extremely supportive and has been open to finding alternate ways for him to be an integral part of the chorus. I sit or stand beside him and give him the director’s cues by gently squeezing his wrist or arm as music begins and ends. He practices year round with WCCC with a break during the summer months and performs formally at least twice yearly,” says Suzanne.
But riding a horse? It’s enough to make any parent nervous, especially newbies to horses like Noah’s mom, and dad, Richard “Buzz” Carver. Not being horse people, landing unexpectedly in the horse world has been an adventure and a learning experience to say the least. But they found the answer, and between their love and support, the guidance of Melanie has been crucial. “Noah has been in several local shows at Misty Morning Stables winning ribbons in Equitation and Walk Trot English Pleasure. He has also shown in Pole Bending and Barrel Racing,” tells Noah’s mom. “We trust Melanie to teach him the basics and advance him when he is ready.”
Although not always a daily routine due to his busy schedule, his responsibilities have included those of any other horse-loving kid: shoveling stalls, feeding and bathing horses, brushing and basic horse care. Noah also assists in tacking his own horse before riding, along with the duties of untacking and brushing.
Upcoming goals for Noah include loping at the shows, as well as jumping – although he is learning to jump on a schooling pony at Misty Morning Stables, plans are being made to jump his trainer’s horse, too. “Melanie suggested next year he could start jumping and I’m confident under her leadership, he’ll do it. We’re in the process of securing a lease so that Noah has security, stability, and bonding with one horse,” says Suzanne.
With a support team like Noah’s, it seems the sky is the limit. His devotees consist of his instructor, Melanie Gay, a special mentor, Lisa Blanchette Haslam, and every rider and parent at his barn, not to mention his own loving and dedicated parents. When it was time for Noah to compete at his first Appaloosa show in August, everyone made sure he was covered, filling in gaps for show apparel and tack. They all turned out to watch Noah show on his own, including one of Noah’s ski instructors and his wife, who drove there from Sugarloaf, ME, just to watch him compete.
The other amazing thing about Noah Carver – he seems to have found the key to competition that so many exhibitors, young and old, often spend a lifetime striving to find. While young and full of energy, and easily distracted by the joys of life, Noah has demonstrated that the show ring is where he stays focused while doing his best. He explains, “When I’m exhibiting, my adrenaline is running high but it’s often hard for others to see. On the surface, it’s cool and calm because I’m on a large, powerful animal and I need to focus and not be reckless.”
Don’t be surprised if you hear more of this remarkable equestrian before long – the young man who simply by being himself, has already left a huge impression in the show ring, and on the world itself.
About the author: Delores Kuhlwein, a freelance equine writer, shows and breeds American Paint Horses and American Quarter Horses together with her husband, Mark, in Glendale, Arizona. Delores began sharing her lifetime love of horses through writing in 2011 after retiring from 15 years as an educator. In addition to being active with her local regional Paint Horse club and the American Paint Horse Association, she manages two family-owned businesses. Her favorite activities are showing her beloved mare in amateur events, and traveling with her husband and two dogs.
