“I realised how much I still wanted to ride”
SALLYANNE HAIGH’S life changed at an event with the Severn Vale Riding Group in 2015. Her 16-year-old Connemara, Greyhills Oubles, was being tricky at a cross-country fence and when asked to approach again, reared and fell over backwards on top of her. “The pain was horrendous. I was air lifted to Bristol’s Southmead Hospital where I learned I’d broken five vertebras from T12 to L2 and had a spinal cord injury at L1 so I was paralysed from the waist down. I’ve been a nurse for 20 years so knew exactly what this meant for me,” says the mother of two. Surgery was followed by six weeks of bed rest and three weeks of gentle mobilisation. A transfer to the Salisbury District Hospital spinal injury unit began an eleven week rehab period. “I had some dark days but worked so hard as all I wanted to do was to go home. Thank goodness for family and friends.” While on the spinal unit, Sallyanne visited the Wilton branch of Riding for the Disabled. She missed the smell of horses and loved getting a fifix. “Being around horses again, I realised how much I still wanted to ride. It felt strange thinking that when I couldn’t ever walk again, but the staff at Wilton were so encouraging I believed I could do it.” Going home was tough. Sallyanne had to sleep downstairs while work was carried out to transform the house. Washing required a trek to a friend’s house once a week for a shower. This is where the MDIRF stepped in. “Rosemary Lang was so helpful and after assessing what I needed first, got to work sorting out my benefits so I didn’t have to stress about doing it,” says Sallyanne. “She also thought that a specialist bed would be beneficial to me – one with all the bells and whistles including a massage function to help circulation and oedema.” The MDIRF set about raising the £2,500 needed and the bed was duly delivered, but before the stair lift, so Sallyanne remained isolated downstairs. Just before Christmas 2016 the lift was installed and she slept in her specialist bed for the first time. “It felt like normal life had returned. I was no longer in everyone’s way and could go to bed when I wanted and sleep easily, feeling refreshed the next day. It has had such a
I’ve been riding all my life and can’t give it up now
pronounced effect on my mental state.” Sallyanne’s next goal is to get back on a horse. She’s set her sights on Paradressage and the Paralympics. “I’ve been riding all my life and can’t give it up now. I know there’s a lot to consider (my consultant isn’t too keen) but I’m determined.” Follow Sallyanne’s progress at www.myparajourney.blogspot.co.uk