This month, we are excited to celebrate Ellia, whose enthusiasm, confidence, and strength have provided so much warmth and empowerment for our community and staff; congratulations, Ellia! We are so honored to share your story and experience.
At just 9 years old, Ellia has already overcome significant challenges and continues to meet life with determination and heart. Ellia grew up with complex medical issues that led to Epilepsy, CVI, and vision loss. It took her parents years to understand the reason behind her concurrent challenges. She was eventually diagnosed with a newly discovered genetic disorder in a non-coding gene called RNU2-2. At the time, Ellia was one of 25 known cases.
When early predictions set limits on her abilities, Ellia wrote her own story instead. She found her voice through American Sign Language and eventually began communicating through speech. Despite her medical challenges, she participates in soccer, skiing, gymnastics, cheerleading, and, of course, horseback riding at Ironstone Farm. Ellia’s abilities for her diagnosis are rare, as very few children with her disorder can walk, talk, or participate in physical activities like riding a horse. Despite the odds, Ellia continues to approach her life with remarkable resilience.
Ellia began riding at Ironstone after winning lessons through a raffle from our partners at The Rare Road Foundation, and has been riding ever since. She immediately fell in love after finding belonging and warmth in the Ironstone staff and herd. Ellia knew she wanted to continue riding after her first lesson with her instructor, Becca, and one of her now favorite horses, Jessica. Her favorite memory, and what continues to be her favorite activity each week, is being able to trot during lessons. Riding also gives Ellia a sense of normalcy, as many of her family members ride horses in England.
“Thank you for not only allowing my child to learn to ride, but also for giving her the opportunity to feel the same as her same-aged peers. There are so many things in life that are different for her – a separate school, lots of time in the hospital and ICU, so many appointments. Having the experience of riding every week makes her feel like any other kid for that little window of time, and it makes a tremendous difference,” -Laura, Ellia’s Mother
Riding at Ironstone Farm has been especially powerful for Ellia–learning to follow directions, move in rhythm with her horse, and build balance and strength. These skills have deepened her confidence and independence. We are beyond grateful to witness Ellia continue to break barriers and inspire us each week to challenge what’s possible!
“Ellia lives with significant challenges, yet she approaches life with warmth, determination, and enthusiasm. When I think back to being told she would likely never walk or talk, I wish I could have seen the future: a social, chatty, dancing child who rides horses and embraces the world on her own terms.” -Laura, Ellia’s Mother