The extraordinary bond between Lissa Bachner, a young blind woman and
Milo, a neglected, frightened horse, helped them overcome staggering
odds to become one of America's most inspiring, successful riding teams
in the world of show jumping.
Lissa
Bachner was born with a passion for horses and won her first blue ribbon
at age
five. Other awards would follow as a young rider, and for years Lissa
trained
with jumpers, tackling more difficult leaps, and working to perfect her
ride.
When blindness struck in
her teens, it appeared her passion for riding would come to an end. How
could she jump hurdles when
she could barely navigate through her
own home?
But
success, trust, and love came to Lissa when her trainer convinced her to
buy a "diamond
in the rough" from Germany. On New Year's Eve, Milo arrived at the barn,
frightened and neglected. Taking one look at his shaking,
filthy body, Lissa promised Milo that he would only know kindness. In
return,
Milo took special care of her in the ring. Through countless eye
surgeries and the many
months of training and work, Lissa and Milo formed a magic bond that
made them
inseparable. And winners.
With
effortless humor and penetrating compassion, Lissa weaves a story of
unfaltering
faith in Milo, and the unconditional love they shared.
**
**