Kathy Gray: The Miracle Child
Posted on 08. Aug, 2009 by kratzerb in Lens Flare
Multimedia and story by Katie Tschopp
When Kathy Gray was kicked in the head by a horse at the age of three, doctors said she would never walk again. That was 29 years and perhaps hundreds of horseback riding ribbons ago.
“My mom had me back on the horse at the age of four,” Gray, who is now 32, said.
The accident left Gray in a coma for about two weeks and paralyzed her whole left side. She now walks with a leg brace and a slight limp. She wears the leg brace all the time except when she is riding.
She has competed in the Special Olympics and has traveled to Kansas City to compete. One of her favorite venues is with the United Professional Horseman’s Association. She competes in the Exceptional Challenge Cup which is for riders with either a mental or physical disability.
Gray has won Grand Champion three years in a row.
“It made me feel proud,” she said about winning Grand Champion. “I was in tears. Mom was too.”
In addition to her competitive horseback riding Gray volunteers at Stirrups ‘n Strides, a therapeutic riding center in Citra. She volunteers with her mother Betty Gray who is director of the center. Kathy helps groom and feed the animals and takes them out for lessons or the occasional basketball game played while on horseback.
“My favorite part of the day is watching all the riders do well in their classes,” she said. “Because the riders that come here, I tell them, if I can do it, you can do it.”
Gray has come a long way since the accident that doctors believed would put her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
“Oh yes!” she says when thinking about how far she has come since that day 29 years ago. “Oh yes, I feel great. It’s amazing what the horses can do.” That’s her testament to the therapy the years of horseback riding has given her.
“They say I’m their miracle child and they can’t believe what I’m doing today,” Kathy said. “When I was kicked in the head by a horse, the doctors said I would be like a vegetable the rest of my life; but I’m not, I’m here walking.”
Betty Gray
26. Jul, 2009
What a wonderful article & pictures. I hope this article will help other people who have disabilities and encourages them to try their best.
Thanks, Betty Gray
Madeline Shaw
26. Jul, 2009
What a wonderful story, riding is a pleasure for any handicapped person or child. It gives them a chance do something that is very rewarding. They have been given a gift of being in control of such a strong & mighty animal. For a person or child that can not walk or is unable to speak or has any other handicap it makes them able to fly above and beyond there wildest dreams.
God Bless these children and people, and the mighty horse’s that are so caring and gentle with them.
Just to touch a horse lifts their pain and brings joy into their heart.
Rebecca Smith
27. Jul, 2009
Wonderful article!! Kathy is a great ambassador for theraputic riding programs everywhere. When people see her ride and then know her story, it is amazing to see her as a vibrant fun loving woman. And to believe that these animals who are so large and strong, yet so gentle with those who are physically and/or mentally challenged, can bring such joy to their riders and their families.
And it takes special people like Kathy’s mom, Betty, to devote their life to helping others. Betty never takes no for an answer. And I believe that, and Kathy’s determination, is exactly why Kathy is riding today.
Amy
27. Jul, 2009
Kathy’s story is inspiring, and I am blessed to have heard it first from her personally! My daughter, who has autism, is one of the many children that benefit from the therapeutic horseback riding program, Stirrups N Strides, that Kathy’s mother, Betty, has made possible. Thank you for writing this story.
Ann Farmer
28. Jul, 2009
This is certainly an inspiring story that is so encouraging to read of this mother who dealt with her daughter’s disability with courage and hard work. We need to hear more stories like this. Well done!
Nick Ungson
01. Aug, 2009
This is such a heartwarming story! Most adults wouldn’t survive a kick in the head from a horse, much less a toddler.
Beautifully written, Ms. Tschopp!
Vicki Gainey
05. Aug, 2009
What an inspiration ! My 16 y old son who has Asperger Syndrome on the Autism Spectrum took therapeutic riding lessons when he was little….long journey, but now he is a starting offensive and defensive lineman on our high school football team ! What a great article…people need to know the miracles that happen !
jane shashy
02. Sep, 2009
We are so proud of Kathy and her accomplishments and of her mom, Betty. It was such a pleasure to know her and her mom and the very special work they have done over the years. It was wonderful experience to work with the chldren at mtra when they were here in Ocala. jane shashy and dr. f.g. day.