Michelle Murphy’s Life changing experience on an Arizona Horse trip.

Polishing up her horsemanship skills on her first Blesma trip was Michelle Murphy, who went on the Arizona horseback activity. She learnt about ranch life and went on horse riding trails too. Michelle told Blesma, 'It changed my life.'

For 22 years Michelle, a Corporal, served in the Royal Corps of Signals. When she lost her leg in 2018 to Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) commonly known as a flesh-eating disease, she was working as Camp staff at the North West Reserves Forces and Cadets Association (NW RFCA) Altcar training camp, Merseyside. Her introduction to Blesma was through her former training Colonel. He emailed to inform her that Blesma could provide the help and support she required. “It was just what I needed, and I thought I would give Blesma a try,” Michelle said.

 “As a child, I did horse riding and that is why I applied for the trip. I didn’t think in my wildest dreams that I would be picked to go,” said Michelle. 

Once she met the group on the trip she said, “within ten minutes it felt like I had known them for years. They were all a good laugh and very supportive.” Fellow group member Allan Jackson had the same amputation (right leg through knee) as Michelle, so could relate to the difficulties she was experiencing. "I was so impressed with Allan’s prosthetic but didn’t realise that I could have the chance to try one too, despite the cost. My NHS leg is uncomfortable and causes me to fall over frequently. This means I don’t go much," said Michelle.

The one-week trip to Arizona consisted of learning all things horse! "Everything about horses was covered. From how to groom them to saddling up," said Michelle. During the trip, she stayed on a ranch and then the group went to another ranch up in the mountains. "We learnt about herding cattle which was a bit scary, but it was good fun. Especially watching the cowboys lassoing the cattle". 

Michelle had challenges but said, "I had to push myself and get out of my comfort zone.” Her horse had to be changed halfway through the trip as it was a bit ‘lively’ and Michelle was given ‘Billy’ who had a calmer temperament. With ‘Billy’ she rode out with the other members to the desert which proved to be an exciting experience. "It was amazing! I had to pinch myself as I couldn’t believe I was there. I loved it," she said.

You can read more about Michelle's life-changing trip in the next issue of the Members Bulletin, and if you want to try taking up the reins yourself you can read more and apply for the 2020 Horseback in America trip.