-----From Endurance Winner to Therapeutic Riding Horse Remember the valiant Anglo-Arabian horse that fought for his life against terminal cancer and won? The horse whose amazing recovery touched the hearts of all those who faced a fatal illness and led Breyer Animal Creations to create a special model? AA Omner (Taj Omega x Lady Belle) is still inspiring others, but this time in a more personal way.
-----After racing more than 9,000 miles in endurance rides and winning almost a third of his competitions, this incredible 20-year-old has found a new career helping children and adults with disabilities. As a therapeutic riding horse, Omner is helping both disabled and non-disabled riders develop strength, coordination, balance and self-esteem. His calling is giving unconditional love and hope.
----- "The National Ability Center seems like a perfect fit for Omner," says marketing assistant Brooke Hafets. "In 1992, he had a tumor the size of a football and was given a few weeks left to live. Well, nearly 10 years later, he is still alive, cancer free and considered one of the top 10 endurance horses of the millennium. His story is truly inspiration for anyone, but particularly for the participants of the National Ability Center, who overcome huge obstacles every day."
-----Beverly Gray rode Omner to the center in Park City, Utah, when she donated him during their fall fundraiser in September. "I wanted to share his gift, his message of 'never give up hope,' " says Gray. "I believe the children and adults at the center will benefit from the miracles he has to send their way."
"He immediately became a member of our staff, and we started getting him used to things like wheelchairs and screaming, flailing children," says Natalie Joy, the Equine Program Director.
After his training, Omner became a therapy horse, working with kids and adults with a full range of disabilities, ranging from spinal cord injuries and visual impairments to autism and developmental disabilities. "We feel fortunate to have a former champion, and it makes the kids feel special that they can ride a high quality horse like Omner," adds Joy.
-----Omner loves his new line of work. His gentle nature and kind disposition make him a hit with the kids at the National Ability Center. Many of them know he is a famous horse, but what matters most is that he is their star now.