PROFILES Brandon laughed over and over again, obviously enjoying the ride. When the time came to dismount, Tracy said, ou were fantastic. It won be too long before youl be trotting. Do you think you like that?�eah, can I really?�Brandon progressed quickly, learning to do simple warm-up exercises while holding on with only one hand, as his balance improved. After a few sessions, Tracy coaxed him through new stretcheshe irplane,�and what they called wo-point�(hands on horse neck), each requiring that he remove both hands from the handle. o, I can,�he said at st. He would turn loose of the handle with one hand, then immediately grab it again. know you can do it,�Tracy assured him. She told his sidewalkers to place a hand on his chest and one on his back. Still a little reluctant, he lifted both hands, but swiftly returned one to the handle. heyl hold you, I promise,�she said. He did the exercises with support a few times, but soon was able to complete them without help, even the wo-point�where he had to lean forward, then pull himself upright. ood job,�Tracy said. Pride shone in Brandon eyes as he called out to George who had walked into the arena, atch me, George. See what I can do.�During his next session, he mastered placing one hand at a time on Dancer rump. ow both hands,�Tracy said. el call it the ouble back reach.� can do that,�he said. ure you can,�she cajoled. It took a few tries but soon he accomplished the task smoothly. He also rode in the ide sitting�position, with both legs on the same side of the horse, then lying down backward on the horse rump, all providing different kinds of muscle stimulation. It was obvious Brandon was very proud of his new accomplishments. Turner said he always thrilled, and enthusiastically tells his family about them.118
