See Me, For Me: Leah

Over the past year, she has made big strides in strength and communication, even returning to trotting again during her lessons. Her instructor Haley shared:

“I have loved watching Leah get stronger over the past year! She is strong enough to stay centered and balanced enough that we have been able to trot again during lessons! Leah has also been talking more, letting the leader know the color of the next pole or cone and even letting us know who is singing next in The Lion King! I’m excited that the weather is getting nice again, because she loves to ride outside and steer Harry over the tracks!”

Despite the frustration of not always being able to express herself verbally, it is the kindness and love that Leah receives that keeps her moving to new heights. Like her favorite Disney princesses, Leah carries a magic all her own – a spirit that speaks louder than words ever could.

Q&A With Leah

How long have you been coming to Main Stay?  Leah has been riding at Main Stay since she was about seven years old, and she just recently celebrated her 44th birthday!  That makes for a total of nearly 37 years of joyful riding!  Physicians and physical therapists alike have recommended that she continue this activity for the rest of her life.  In fact, her brand new Primary Physician just said the same when filling out her most recent Main Stay health registration form.  It’s unanimous!  

What do you look forward to most when coming to Main Stay? When talking about her riding experience, Leah often expresses her fondness of telling Harry to ‘walk on’ or to even ‘truck on’, when wanting him to trot.  While this is happening, Lion King music or another Disney favorite is usually playing in the background, which of course elevates her mood and enjoyment even further.  

Is there a goal you want to accomplish at Main Stay? The most important long term goal has been for Leah to build muscle strength in her torso and to improve her overall balance from sitting tall in the saddle, while maneuvering the horse during various activities, such as throwing a ball into a hoop or directing the horse to step over the yellow, blue and green poles.   

What is one thing you wish people knew about you? If Leah could express herself, I think she might say something like, “I wish people knew how much their kindness, patience and love towards me makes such a difference in my life. It keeps me moving to new heights, and  I appreciate all of you so much!”   

What frustrates you the most? What seems to frustrate Leah the most is that she is unable to verbally express herself much of the time, to communicate many of her feelings, wants and needs.  Her neurologist once commented that she is a prisoner in her own body and that is so true.  The understanding and compassion shown by everyone at Main Stay has been so amazing though, and it has helped her circumvent this problem to some degree.  This has resulted in increased language over the years and especially lately, when giving directions to her horse for example, and when communicating with volunteers and staff.    

Do you have a favorite hobby? If so, what? Leah loves to complete up to 100-piece puzzles of a gazillion different pictures.  She never seems to tire of this, and her favorites are of the Disney characters and custom photo puzzles; many of her family and even one of her giving her horse, Harry, a big thank you kiss on the nose after one of her many rides.  

What is something you are very proud of? Leah is proud of her watercolor paintings, which I think can be  described as abstract with big splashes of colorful paint here and there.  She also likes to paint her favorite Disney princesses in paint books, with hair and outfits true to the colors shown on all of her favorite movies.  

What makes you happy? Leah seems to be at her happiest when she is with her favorite people and listening to her favorite music.    

Who is someone you look up to and why? Leah adores Mr. Rogers.  She has watched his programs since she was little and continues to watch them here and there.  These were a godsend during the pandemic, since the Disney Channel offered all of his programs going all the way back to 1968.  Hurray for Mr. Rogers.  His voice and demeanor is still so soothing and comforting to her.