Dallin and Touch - A Touching Story

Story by: Guest Contributor

First posted on 09-07-2007

Dallin Story is an 18-year-old young man who lives in Alpine, Utah. At a very young age he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. When he turned 9, he started riding Missouri Foxtrotters at a therapeutic horse-back-riding center, Hoof Beats to Healing. At the beginning of his riding experience he needed someone to lead his horse and also have two side-walkers for support. The Foxtrotting horse is an excellent horse for handicapped children to ride because of their smooth and enjoyable gaits. Missouri Foxtrotters were also chosen to be used at the therapeutic horse-back-riding center because of their calm and willing attitude.

Dallin can walk on his own with great pain and significant discomfort. When he gets on his horse he is able to move freely without any soreness. Riding allows Dallin to get from one point to another quickly and easily. Horses have given Dallin a sport that he has been able to excel at. His self-esteem and motor skills have vastly improved since he has started riding. He is now able to ride on his own, even in barrel racing events!

Dallin has now been riding Missouri Foxtrotters for 9 years. He continues to show and ride very often. This year he has a wonderful palomino mare, Touch’s Booten Scooten Lady. Joyce Graening sold the horse to Stephen’s Foxtrotters, the ranch that Dallin’s father, Stephen Story, owns. He has won multiple events, including many youth 2-gait classes. “Touch” is very talented Foxtrotter that is calm but also responsive. Dallin and “Touch” are an amazing team.

At first, Joyce wasn’t interested in selling Touch, until she learned that Dallin would be riding her. She felt good about the relationship between Dallin and the horse, so she acquiesced. Dallin and the Storys are very glad she did, as the horse has been ideal for Dallin.

Dallin and Touch have a connection. Touch is so perfect for Dallin because she seems to understand what he needs. Dallin used to have to go through long, boring, and painful hours of therapy when he was younger. Now he enjoys his therapy sessions because he is on horseback. Riding Foxtrotters has also allowed Dallin and his dad, Stephen Story, to share a common passion where they have grown close. Dallin is a joy to have at the barn, he loves to hang out and laugh with the three trainers; Lisa Hahn, Kamille Roseman, and Lacey Crosby.

This year Dallin will be competing at the 2007 Missouri Foxtrotter World Show and Celebration in Ava, Missouri. He has worked hard to be able to compete in this big event. He is very excited to be here with his friends in Ava, and is tickled to be competing in the Celebration. In his own way, he has been looking forward all year for the show.

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