“Horses convey me peace, pleasure, power. I’ve ridden all through this complete journey. Even simply sitting, being led gave me some psychological well being. I used to be decided to be regular once more. Regular for me is on a horse.”
Confronted with a ghastly private trial, Melissa Mayo scaled the trauma mountain and received again into the saddle. Can we give up? Can we get again on? I’m an older, ever-student rider. My scary voices typically clutch at my chaps. Melissa shares how she kicked the voices away. Right here is my interview along with her.
Candace: When did you start your driving profession?Melissa: After I was three years outdated. I received Apples, my little POA pony, once I was 5. I had a horrible driving accident at 10. However I’d all the time gotten again on. I’m now 45.
C: In what self-discipline did you trip?M: English/Eventing. It’s what my mother and aunt rode, so I adopted.
Picture courtesy of Melissa Mayo.
C: How did your accident happen?M: November 12, 2022. My two women and I have been going to trip in an area present. My son was with us. Rain, sleet, snow. I shouldn’t have gone. Nevertheless it was the final present of the season. I didn’t wish to disappoint my women. I mounted Ditto. He danced round and slipped within the mud. He fell — touchdown on his proper facet and my proper leg. Ditto broke his pelvis. My leg was crushed. I lay on the chilly, moist floor attempting to evaluate him with out having the ability to see him and orchestrate what to do with the kiddos and the horses. I had superb mates who jumped in to assist. I left in an ambulance headed a technique. Ditto left in a trailer headed within the different route to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. A pricey pal whisked my youngsters house.
C: High 4 emotions whereas being handled?M: Worry, disappointment, fear, hope. however some pleasure, too. I’m happy with my youngsters, my husband and my neighborhood. We acquired a lot assist. A pal even introduced my Ditto to me – house — so he might be buried the place he belonged. My want for everybody is to see the nice that may come from tragedy. I’ll by no means be capable of thank everybody. Our kids expertise what it meant to be a part of a neighborhood — to step up for these in want.
C: How did your mindset change and in what time-frame?M: Fairly constant all year long and a half of attempting to avoid wasting my leg. I had a wholesome dose of frustration as effectively. However I’ll play the hell out of no matter hand I’m dealt. I’ve just lately recounted that that is the primary time I’ve felt like I had actual function. The accident has made me a greater therapist and a cheerleader. I’m completely happy to share my journey. I went via some darkish instances. Not having the ability to sustain with my youngsters, or God forbid, get to them within the Emergency. Nervousness hung over my head. Who I’m is predicated on motion. Dropping motion meant shedding me. I didn’t wish to get away from bed. The ache was excruciating. I attempted to color a powerful image and push via, however the ache and anxiousness was killing me. My proper leg was amputated on February 7, 2025. I’ve not appeared again.
Melissa and TG Celtic Sword. Picture courtesy of Melissa Mayo.
C: What made you resolve your post-accident equestrian path?M: I’ve been on a horse since I used to be three. It’s who I’m. Horses convey me peace, pleasure, power. I’ve ridden all through this complete journey. Even simply sitting, being led gave me some psychological well being. I used to be decided to be regular once more. Regular for me is on a horse. I even rode in a horse trial after my ankle was fused. It was dumb and I in all probability shouldn’t have, however mentally I wanted it. I wanted to show to myself that I might. Our trip was ugly, however Tego was an absolute saint. We did it!
Picture courtesy of Melissa Mayo.
Olympics had been a dream for me since childhood. Put up amputation was the primary time that dream was attainable. Associates tossed the thought of Para-Dressage to me. 4 months after surgical procedure, I used to be supplied an incredible horse, Protego Santana. Tego was on his personal journey of therapeutic from Equine Suspensory Department Desmitis. We healed collectively. We at the moment are chasing a dream I’ve had my total life — the Olympics. Now via Para Dressage.
Melissa with Protego Santana. Picture courtesy of Melissa Mayo.
C: How do you’re feeling whenever you trip now?M: Grateful, completely happy, proud. I’m grateful each time I sit on a horse. Each single time. I’m completely happy to be on this journey, to convey inspiration to others. I’m happy with the place I’m — who I’m — and this journey. I’m happy with my husband and my youngsters and everybody who’s on this journey with me. I’m grateful for Tego. He brings a ridiculous quantity of pleasure to my life. I’m happy with the comeback we’re making collectively.
C: What would you like us to know?M: By no means surrender. By no means settle. At all times search for the positives. Ask for assist. At all times make the proper resolution for you.
Melissa’s story makes me reassess the adverse noises in my head when I’ve confronted a lot smaller challenges. We are able to get again on, even when we simply sit and let ourselves be led.
Melissa with Protego Santana after their first present. Picture courtesy of Melissa Mayo.
