Amy Barrington rides at Therapeutic Riding of Tryon. Photo courtesy of USEA/Photo courtesy of Greg Schlappi.
Here’s your feel-good story of the day — Amy Barrington is back in the saddle! The USEA spoke to Greg Schlappi, Amy’s husband, about the good news, and he said they’re thrilled to have her riding again. Her doctor recommended waiting one year to get back in the saddle, so she is taking it slow and only riding in a controlled environment at Therapeutic Riding of Tryon. Look at that smile!
It’s been 10 months since the Sept. 4 accident landed Amy in the hospital with a traumatic brain injury. Since then, she’s fought her way back to living the life she loves with her family, horses and students. Amy has returned to caring for her horses, teaching and coaching, and her students report that all horse-related words come easily to her; it’s only other words that she sometimes forgets. To hell with non-horse words!
Greg gave a special thanks to Amy’s Tribe, the members of the eventing community who rallied around Amy’s family to help pay her medical bills: “The eventing community is absolutely amazing,” Greg told the USEA. “They literally saved us from bankruptcy. We had no idea we had so many friends through the eventing community.”
Go Amy!
[Amy Barrington Continues to Recover After Traumatic Brain Injury Sustained Last Fall]
