Heartfelt with HETRA: Article Twenty-Nine
Annika's Ride
Annika has been passionate about horseback riding since she was eight years old. Everything changed after a tragic accident during her freshman year at college on September 16, 2023, a moment that would prove pivotal in our lives. The accident led to emergency brain surgery to remove a significant portion of her skull. We couldn't help but wonder what the future held, but our eyes remained fixed on one primary goal: getting her back in the saddle.
After moving to Omaha in March 2024, Annika’s intensive therapy schedule ran from 9 AM to 3 PM daily, where she relearned everything from speech to daily tasks. During her initial sessions on Quality Living Inc. (QLI)’s Equicizer (a mechanical horse), she was first introduced to HETRA and their holistic approach to therapy. As Annika’s mom explained, "Horse therapy creates a unique bond—a special connection between the rider, the horse, and the support team."
"Horse therapy is different than all other types of therapies. There’s a connection between rider and horse, but also the people supporting these two. As a former equine services volunteer, Annika knows the whole team is rooting for every participant. You may get that in other types of therapy, but now you have a special four-legged team member to bring you all together. The horse becomes a part of you." – Annika’s mom
Taken just six months apart, these photos highlight HETRA's remarkable impact on Annika's strength and posture.
With the unwavering support of her team, her medical professionals, Shirley Ryan Hospital, and the collaboration between Quality Living Inc. (QLI) and HETRA, Annika was able to mount her horse once again and embark on her journey toward regaining normalcy.
At HETRA, Annika discovered not just a therapy program, but a sanctuary of comfort and encouragement during a time when she was far from home. It became her favorite therapy, seamlessly intertwining her love for horses with her rehabilitation goals. Each week, Annika worked on her strength and coordination, slowly regaining the confidence to ride independently again. HETRA not only focused on Annika’s progress, but also guided them in preparing for her return home by providing valuable resources.
"Annika's team at HETRA helped us transition home by providing measurements for a mounting block that our friends built. They also guided me on how to train her horse for her return.
HETRA brought a piece of comfort for Annika that she needed to keep pushing through on those tough days when she was eight hours away from home and her horse. She gave more and pushed herself to achieve goals and fight homesickness. Horses become part of your soul and Annika’s self-identification. This affinity cannot be compared with any human.” – Annika’s Mom
Reflecting on this journey, it's clear that such transformative experiences rely on community support. HETRA’s programs are essential for changing lives like Annika’s.
