Motivational Monday: There’s Nothing Better For the Inside of a Girl Than the Outside of a Horse
Photo courtesy of Horses For Lex.
“I’ve often said there’s nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.”- Ronald Reagan
By: Brittany Bevis
Lex Lasiter is a spitfire. At least that’s how her mother, Wathena Sievert, describes the spunky seven-year-old with a serious horse addiction and a strength of spirit no affliction can tame.
Lex is a young equestrian who has certainly faced more than her share of challenges in life. She has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and suffers from asthma as well as some heart-related issues. However, after listing Lex’s numerous medical conditions, Wathena is quick to reference her daughter’s famous phrase that really sums up the entire family’s focus on positive thinking and personal empowerment.
“I have CP, but CP doesn’t have me!”- Lex
Still, caring for, not one but two, children with special needs (Lex’s brother has autism) can be overwhelming for any family. Wathena remembers a time when Lex was so sick that the family took three trips to the emergency room in just one week. Recently, an outpouring of support and well-wishes have come from an unlikely place, social media.
It all started when Wathena was searching for an artist to paint a picture of a horse for young Lex. That first connection quickly exploded into a network, 8,664 members strong, via the Facebook page Horses For Lex.
Time to groom Snickerdoodle. Photo courtesy of Horses For Lex.
“I had contacted an art student [Travis Barker] about paying him to draw Lex a horse picture,” Wathena says. “He said he wouldn’t take any payment, but he would draw her a picture. The next day, he contacted us to ask if he could please post the request on his Facebook page, since he is in art school, to see if any of his friends would like to help. The outpouring was so big that he asked if he could create a Facebook page just for Lex.”
What first began as a simple request for horse-related artwork quickly evolved into something much larger. People from all over the world began to learn more about Lex’s journey and the inspiring attitude she maintains in the face of adversity.
Then, Wathena came into contact with Becky Ann Ross, the owner of Alpha Boarding Complex in Riverview, Florida. Ross decided that Lex needed much more than just drawings and painting of horses; she needed her own real-life version!
“Becky Ann Ross donated Snickerdoodle to Lex, and we ended up going all the way to Florida to meet him,” Wathena says.
“And to go to the beach!” Lex adds.
“Lex actually did horse therapy when she was three years old. Then, they lost funding and could no longer do it. The closest place was two hours away, and there was no way we could drive that far. Snickerdoodle was a Godsend. She is able to ride; of course, we have to walk on each side of her until we can get a special saddle. She rode yesterday for about 30 minutes. It really helps with her trunk control to tighten up those muscles that she doesn’t really use, and it really helps loosen up her hips.”
When Lex climbs aboard her 20-year-old Appaloosa named Snickerdoodle, Wathena becomes witness to a truly remarkable transformation. Not only is the core strength and balance needed to ride horseback essential to Lex’s physical well-being, the bond she has with her equine partner is more than can be described by mere words.
Snickerdoodle kisses! Photo courtesy of Horses For Lex.
“She’s a completely different little girl,” Wathena says. “She smiles and chuckles. The bond they have is amazing. Being around horses has given her so much self-confidence. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like being up on the horse makes her feel free. He walks for her, when she can’t herself, and he can take her where she wants to go, without having to depend on us.”
“We’re hoping, that by working with her horse, it will help strengthen her to be able to walk a longer distance. Right now, she can only walk a short distance with her walker, because her legs are so tight.”
“I want to walk five steps without the walker!” Lex adds.
Ever since the Horses For Lex Facebook page was created, Lex and her family have received countless letters and horse-related gifts from all over the world. Complete strangers have sent drawings, paintings, letters of support, horse-themed t-shirts, stuffed animals, gifts, and horse supplies.
“I got a painting from a 6-year-old that was really good!” Lex adds.
“It helps us from being so isolated,” Wathena says. “When you have two kids with special needs, it makes you feel a bit more isolated. This has caused us to meet more people in our area, because they come up to us and talk to us more.”
If it wasn’t already evident from Lex’s clear insistence on being included in today’s interview, this young lady is outgoing, talkative, energetic, and full of zest for life.
“She’s certainly a fireball…” Wathena adds.
Lex is excited to receive some gifts in the mail. Photo courtesy of Horses For Lex.
Wathena and Lex aren’t asking for anything in particular. This article isn’t a plea for donations to a specific cause or charity. Her family simply wants to share the story of a beautiful and inspiring little girl who strives to make the world better one smile at a time.
Oh… Lex does have one tiny request. She would like for you to visit her Facebook page at Horses For Lex and give it a like.
“She wakes up every morning asking how many likes her page has!” Wathena says.
Click here to visit the Horses For Lex Facebook page.
Have a Motivational Monday!
