Posted: June 17, 2012 by R.T. Fitch
By Shushannah Walshe of ABC NewsRomney credits horseback riding for almost eliminating her symptoms from multiple sclerosis
“My apologies as I am not waxing political on you here, although our current President has done NOTHING to help our horses, but it is difficult to find good equine news to share with you on Sunday. There are a lot of things that we need to accomplish over the next 48 hours but for today, this is a story of a woman who sought out horses, late in life, and they healed her in a way that only horses can. This is success story and we as advocates are fortunate that someone in the political spotlight is pro-horse and understands the spiritual connection that we share with our equine partners. Politics aside, Ann Romney‘s story is one of success and could even help to elevate our nation’s understanding and appreciation for the American horse, both wild and domestic, that we love and know so well. Have a great Sunday as tomorrow it is back to work. Be safe and keep the faith.” ~ R.T.
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Ann Romney’s dressage trainer Jan Ebeling and the horse they co-own, Rafalca, came in third this weekend at the United States Equestrian Federation National Dressage Championships in Gladstone, N.J. This competition, which will continue next weekend, also serves as an Olympics qualifying event for the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.Romney is avidly involved in the expensive world of dressage, sometimes known as “horse ballet,” and credits horseback riding for almost eliminating her symptoms from multiple sclerosis, which she was diagnosed with in 1998.
According to a USEF press release, Ebeling was the first to go, scoring 71.489 percent. The release said the “comfort level” between Rafalca and Ebeling was “evident in the ring.” Ebeling has been riding Rafalca for six years.
The same release says the wife of the presumptive GOP nominee was on hand to watch Rafalca and Ebeling.
“I was really happy that they could all make it,” said Ebeling. “I think it is wonderful for our sport to have that visibility.”
Last week on a three-day campaign swing of Florida, Ann Romney visited a therapeutic horse riding facility and told patients and staff there she was “not able to get out of bed” or even walk at one point her MS symptoms were that severe. But the “excitement of getting on a horse” helped her.
“Horses are amazing teachers,” said Romney, who visited with other patients who like her use riding as therapy. “I love these wonderful, sweet companions that teach us so much.”
In a Los Angeles Times story last month, Robin Abcarian reported that despite Romney’s relatively late start in dressage Romney won silver and gold medals in 2005 and 2006 at the highest level of competition from the U.S. Dressage Federation and she credits Ebeling with her success in the top tier of amateur dressage.
The Romneys are planning on attending the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Mitt Romney’s role overseeing the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics is an important selling point for his campaign on the trail. He consistently stresses on the stump how he was able to save the games from scandal and financial disarray, citing it as an example of his turn around skills and management experience.
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