Equestrians With Disabilities Gather in Fort Worth for the Chisholm Challenge Horse Show

Ronald Reagan had divine knowledge when he shared, "There's nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse." Participants, volunteers, and spectators at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (FWSSR) Chisholm Challenge would all agree.

While the main events of the FWSSR start on Jan. 12, the first three days are set aside for some very special guests inside the John Justin Arena. Every year since 2003, the Chisholm Challenge gathers "Equestrians with Disabilities" along with their heaven-sent equine partners to showcase talents.

More than 550 volunteers put together a three-day extravaganza for all involved. American Quarter Horse Association classes such as Showmanship, Walk and Trot Hunt Seat Equitation, Western Horsemanship, Reining, and Trail are offered on the first day.

The festivities for the remainder of the show involve therapeutic riding centers from the North Texas area. There are 15 centers in all who bring their students to compete. Each center includes PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) members. This accreditation ensures that the competitors have certified instructors and trained horses and respect all safety requirements.

Annually, over 225 riders and 115 horses compete throughout the three-day event. A highlight of the event is the Veterans' class "Heroes on Heroes." The horses used for these events and riding centers couldn't be described any better than "Heroes."

The benefits of equine therapy are widely known and accepted, including physical, emotional, mental, and confidence building, along with communication and social skills. Horseback riding and care offer a unique form of physical therapy. The motion of riding a horse simulates the natural movement of the human pelvis, which helps riders develop better core strength, balance and coordination.

The bond offered between horse and human provides a sense of companionship and emotional support. Horses are incredibly perceptive animals and can often respond to the rider's emotions. Horses have been credited with having a calming and therapeutic nature to provide therapy for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The transformations of the "Equestrians with Disabilities" can be witnessed and accounted for by those around them. The confidence that mastering the art of horseback riding can have and achieving success in riding and caring for a horse might be immeasurable but is certainly attained and appreciated.

Athletes participating in the Chisholm Challenge are not necessarily always on horseback. There are multiple events offered for those in wheelchairs.

Day three concludes with Ranch Riding, Barrels, and Pole Bending, followed by the coveted awards presentations.

The event is always open to the public and offers free admission. The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo graciously donate the facilities, and everyone involved in the entire production is a volunteer. The Chisholm Challenge is all about the competitors and is "without a doubt, a true labor of love."