... from the Spring 2008 issue

Accident leads to new passion

By Ramona Lampe, Garden Plain, Kan.

What a joy to discover a new passion in life; an unexpected fascination that sends the senses reeling.

After a head injury from an accident in 1998, my career in professional theater as a singer and actress was over. Plagued by seizures, headaches and chronic fatigue, I found myself seeking disability income. My whole life had revolved around my passion for singing and performing on stage. I felt empty. How could I go on with no passion in my life? Clinical depression soon became another obstacle.

I decided to put in a few volunteer hours at the local zoo. I had loved animals as a child, and as a volunteer, there was more leniency for my limitations.

It was there that I discovered draft horses. The zoo had a beautiful white Shire that stood 18 hands high. At 6 feet tall, my head was level with her back. Her name was Maggie, and I thought she was the most majestic creature I had ever seen.

Completely enchanted, I wanted to learn more about these fantastic animals. After making some inquiries, I found out from the zookeepers that there was a magazine dedicated entirely to draft horses. I became an enthusiastic subscriber.

In this magazine, I was thrilled to find an advertisement for a Clydesdale farm near a neighboring town. It was a 30-minute drive from my house. I got up the nerve to call the owners and introduce myself. I asked if I could come out to see their Clydesdales, and they agreed.

The farm was a small, family-owned operation with 12 Clydesdales. I had never actually stood beside a Clydesdale before, up close and personal. It was intimidating at first, but to be close to such a large, magnificent animal, it was love at first sight. My pulse raced. I knew I had to try to make these animals part of my life. However, I had no experience with horses.

I offered to volunteer for the family to help and learn to care for these horses. They accepted.

Two and a half years later, I’m still helping out at the Clydesdale farm. Those equine beauties are the love of my life. Being in their presence has been such great therapy.

Thank God for new discoveries. ~BH