Possible first lady Ann Romney explained therapeutic riding this week on the campaign trail, directly confronting what critics have called an expensive hobby.
"I just want those people who have never experienced this to understand how magical these horses are," Romney said, while sitting on a horse at the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association in Ocala, Fla., on Wednesday. "I just love coming out here and seeing they are helping others as well."
A Los Angeles Times story last month questioned the expensive nature of Ann Romney's riding habit. Romney rides for pleasure as well as therapy for her multiple sclerosis. She particularly likes dressage, a highly disciplined Olympic-level sport that requires intense muscle control in order to direct what looks like "horse ballet."
The Romneys also co-own Rafalca, a highly regarded 15-year-old mare they have sponsored in numerous dressage competitions, including this year’s World Cup Final. Traveling expenses for competition horses tend to be high, as the
Los Angeles Times pointed out.
While not specifically responding to the story, on Wednesday Ann Romney explained how therapeutic riding continues to improve her quality of life. She was diagnosed with MS in 1998 and found a lifeline in horses around the time when it became “very difficult to get out of bed," she told the clinic's clients and press at Marion, according to reports.
"A horse got me out of bed ... and living life," she said, according to the Ocala Star-Banner. “Horses are great teachers. Horses are great companions. They bring us great joy."
According to Florida's Villages Daily Sun, Romney asked for a hairband and a helmet before climbing on Duke, one of the clinic's horses. She proceeded to explain from horseback the benefits of therapeutic riding to people who struggle with balance, muscle control and coordination. Therapeutic riding is also known to have social and emotional benefits for mentally disabled riders.
Romney has said she would be an advocate in the White House for people with MS if her husband, GOP nominee Mitt Romney, wins the election in November. The Romneys regularly ride together, and Ann Romney has revealed in the past that her husband typically breaks out into song when he gets on a horse.
