A racehorse brings joy to a disabled child

DickG1

Author’s note: This story was originally published on July 20, 2012.

Timmy Summer’s frail arm rose slightly away from his wheelchair, as he willed it toward the giant animal.

A moment later, his small hand rested against the soft spot just underneath the bay gelding’s muzzle.

Yielding to the little boy’s touch, and his own apparent desire to draw even closer to the child, the Thoroughbred leaned hard against the stall door that separated them, stretching forward, getting closer.

To the amazement of the child’s mother and to others in the barn, ex-racehorse Dick G, who battled it out on the hard scrabbled track to win $30,000 in his career, became suddenly soft and affectionate as he laid his giant head across the chest of the little boy, and held it there.

The minutes seemed to pass in slow motion as the unlikely pair remained in a close embrace.

Those who watched the interaction were moved to tears. It was something they’d never seen before, and to this day, some two years later, is memorable down to every last detail.

Timmy’s mother, Grace Mahoney Summers, couldn’t believe her son was able to control his arm movement enough to touch the animal, and she was further astounded by the horse’s tenderness.

Race name: Dick G
New name: Teddy
Sire: Lord Carson
Dam: Houston Bound, by Houston
Foal date: Feb. 24, 2003
“They stayed like that, and it seemed like forever,” Summers recalls, as she and her husband watched the scene with the horse’s former New Vocation’s trainer Lisa Molloy, and some assistants. All were deeply moved as they saw how the boy bonded with the powerful steed.

To this day, Lisa Molloy, who introduced the Summers family to the ex-racehorse in her capacity as a New Vocations trainer, says she gets Goosebumps thinking about that afternoon.

“It was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen,” says Molloy. (She is now introducing prospective riders to horses at ReRun, following a relocation).

But on that day, the Summers family wound up quickly deciding that even though horse-ownership was an expensive proposition, especially with two special-needs children to care for, the joy and comfort that Dick G brought was more than worth it.

Shortly after witnessing the remarkable bond between Timmy and Dick G, the horse came to live with them in Ohio.

On April 22, 2010, the gelding began his second career after the track giving rides to Grace Summers, and offering comfort to the entire family during difficult times.

Lisa Molloy hacks Dick G before his adoption

Lisa Molloy hacks Dick G before his adoption

As Summers re-learns her seat, she reconnects to happy memories of  a childhood spent growing up in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, and taking joyous riding lessons at the Staten Island public stables.

And, before and after some lessons, her children and husband spend time in the great animal’s company, distracted from daily worries by little things, like fly spray and horse treats.

“It’s hard going to the hospital all the time, and having to deal with the illnesses,” Summers says.

“When I’m with Dick G (now re-named Teddy) I’m in a different place.

It’s hard to explain it, but he does something for me. He makes me feel that everything is going to be OK.”

And it is okay in the barn.

Far away from the sterile equipment, and beeping machines of the hospital, the air smells sweetly of hay and horses, as Summers pushes Timmy’s wheelchair toward one special stall.

As soon as Dick G catches a glimpse of the helpless child, his ears go forward, and he rushes to get as close as he can.

“We were at the barn last Saturday and as soon as our horse saw Timmy, he flew from the back of his stall to the door.

He’s always polite, and never tries to push on the door, but this time, he was actually pushing, trying to get to him,” Summers says.

“I finally opened the door and put a wheelbarrow in the doorway to block it, but he tried to climb over it to get to Timmy!”

Dick G with Bitsy

Dick G with Bitsy

At which point, she wheeled Timmy right up to Dick G so the pair could play their new game.

It’s quite simple: Dick G uses his teeth to pull up the wheelchair armrest on which Timmy’s hand is lying, and then he lets go, letting it “plop” back into place.

The small action, and faint sound bring a smile to Timmy’s face, and peals of his laughter carry through the barn.

And for a moment, Timmy is a different child, Summers says.

“It’s like we’re in our own little world where everything is okay.”

11 responses to “A racehorse brings joy to a disabled child”

  1. Trish

    Timmy and Teddy — what a beautiful love story. Brings tears to my eyes. Please stop sending horses to slaughter.

  2. Laureen Godin

    This story is a tear jerker! I believe so strongly in healing with animals. From cancer, to heart break to disability, animals give us hope. To all you pro-slaughter groups/individuals, I hope you have read this article. I lost my pug to cancer in 2012. On a particular day, I was going out to see my horses. One of them likes to play “come and catch me” of course she runs away when she sees the halter. This particular day I was crying and my horse came up behind me and put her head on my right shoulder. We just stayed like that for 30 minutes.

  3. patty

    this is something i have known for awhile. i have MS and i have 3 horses. they are my emotional therapy. my husband understands, my children think i am being dramatic. but one day when i was bummed about something i went out to the corral, sat on the ground and all 3 came out, surrounded me, and put their beautiful head on mine. tell me they don’t know!

  4. stephanie adamson

    Like everyone else tears are flowing…Beautiful story, beautiful Family. God Bless them all…I think “Teddy” found his place in life, best friend to Timmy and his Mom. There is no higher calling.

  5. Peppermint

    Brought tears to my eyes. Yes…adopting racehorses is a win-win for everyone. Thanks for sharing this; thanks to all rescues who go the extra mile.

  6. Claude

    This is why we must protect these animals from abuse and from slaughter for food.

  7. Susie

    This story brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful bond Timmy and Teddy have, and what a blessing to those that are able to witness the interaction.

  8. Lahle Wolfe

    I too, have seen the healing power of horses in children who see and respond to the world in a way different from the main stream of society in our own family. God bless the parents of this wonderful boy for seeing that instant connection was more than just a passing curiosity. That horse chose Timmy and Timmy happily accepted.

    It is my belief when there is such a powerful, undeniable instant connection between horses and people it is the horse showing its compassion. It senses a need and responds with love and instinct to help and protect.

    I am thrilled that this ex-race horse was able to open his heart to human touch, love, and the sweet giggles of a child. And, I am thrilled for Timmy, too. The communication between horses and their people need no words, no motion. It takes place just be being together.

  9. Jo-Anne Ward

    Hopefully, Timmy’s mother Grace continues to enjoy riding Teddy for
    many years to come. I wish the Summer family all the best for their future.

  10. Cynthia

    What a beautiful story!

  11. Leslie Kuretzky

    What a precious story

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