Howdy & many thanks in advance for stopping in to read my story! My name is Deb. My husband passed away 3 years ago, and needless to say a big part of my heart died with his passing. Life goes on, so fast forward. I picked up the pieces and started T & D Equine Services. Horses have always been a big part of my life and if you have ever had the opportunity to be around them, its a guarantee that you will fall in love. Historically I have been trained to use horses as therapy tools, as they express unconditional love. Some horses are very gentle and others, well not so. On Sunday May 25, 2025 I was riding Baron, Baron is a super sweet 6 year old gelding that thinks he is a human. Baron will share your lunch & your drink with you. He is always the first horse in the pasture that will begin to walk towards you when you go out to catch them. Tj & I were on the tail end of our ride, and so far Baron was a perfect gentleman. We were crossing the last big ditch/gulch, I was on the alert for deer/antelope that may spook Baren. What happened next, was a very rapid recollection of what I remember about that afternoon. Baron simply took off at a dead run (My instinct tells me that he heard the mares back at the barn calling for him). Instantly I knew that a One Rein Stop was going to save my life. By now my seat had gotten off centered to the far left. I am left handed there fore the strong side is my left side so I tried to pull his nose over to my left knee so that Baren could go in circles and slow down. Well needless to say, I am scheduled to have shoulder replacement and my left hand operated on in the very near future. There was not enough strength in my left arm to pull his nose around and by now a dismount was the ONLY thing that was going to save me. Next steps get both feet out of the stirrups without hanging up my spurs. Now try to dismount on both feet then roll backwards gracefully without injury, not to mention try to find a smooth spot in the meadow so I don’t land on a rock, tree or anything else. My sweet spot was landing on my hip. Fast forward the ride to Parkview Medical Center in a bumpy ranch truck as my insurance does not cover an ambulance ride. It took 6 hospital employees to get me out of the front seat of the pickup. Instantly Hospital Staff used the CSpine protocol to include the neck brace. After imaging Parkview determined my injuries will require a higher level of care, travel by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. ( I am a retired EMT-B-IV Cert, however this will be my first time as a patient in the ambulance). More imaging to determine a fractured L1, L2 & S1. Total fractured pelvis. Surgery involved placing numerous screws in my pelvis. On May 31, 2025 I was transferred to St. Thomas Moore in Canon City. My release date is June 10, 2025, just in time to spend Father’s Day with my 88 year old dad.. Needless to say this has been the worst horse accident ever for me. The pain is UNBEARABLE!!!! I thanked the Lord for sparing my life and not leaving me paralyzed….AMEN & Hallalujah!!! The journey ahead is very painful, you must do physical therapy several times per day. I have a person/patient in my home that I take care of. We have made multiple trips to UC Health/Anchutz complex for tests and finally after 3 surgeons, we have found a Dr that will perform the very complex surgery. The post surgical recovery time is 6-8 weeks. I am the caregiver and now patient in this very intense situation. My small amount of social security pays bills & supports the household but does not even come close, as we are short each month aprox $2000.
My prayer request to All of you is this: I need to have a remote desk job if you know of anything. Happy to forward by resume & references. In the mean time we are seeking donations to help us survive and not become homeless.
Any small amount will be greatly appreciated. My healing journey is at least 6 months. Not to mention I am the Home Health Aide for Tj post surgery. We will be paying back any amount gifted in the near future.
Via Con Dios & Happy Trails Cowboys & Cowgirls!
719-371-3734
Deb
