Annual Day of Giving 2024: Zac Brex
Zachary “Zac” Brex
On this Annual Day of Giving, Stride Ahead is proud to spotlight one of our therapeutic riding students, Zac Brex, who has been with us since October 2021.
When Zac was born with a rare genetic disorder, his parents were told that because he was left with decreased immunity, they should not be optimistic about his ability to walk and talk. His life expectancy was even in question. But to look at this smiling 26-year-old fellow now, it’s hard to believe those were ever serious concerns. Zac has a quiet but confident can-do attitude as he continues learning the responsibilities of horsemanship.
Zac’s development as a Stride rider started out slow. His mom, says that on his first day, he was a “nervous wreck, physically shaking with anxiety.” She attributes his success to the volunteers who gently walked him through everything and assured him that he could do it. She says they made him feel like a superstar! And she proudly adds that in the three years he has been with the program his confidence has grown by leaps and bounds.
Zac is a man of few words--all of them whisper soft-- but his actions speak volumes. When he grooms his beloved Cupid, he does so with focused gentleness. Once reluctant to even help carry her saddle from the tack room to the stall, he now does it totally by himself. And when instructor Pam Smith adjusts his stirrups, he offers his whimsical little thumbs-up to let her know he’s ready to ride -- all with a cheeky grin that rarely leaves his face and suggests he knows something the rest of us don’t. Most important, he always tells his family how much fun he has. That includes, of course, the traditional post-lesson visit to Quik Trip with his friend Sarah for his favorite refreshment: a Hershey Bar washed down with a bottle of Pepsi Zero.
Away from Stride Ahead, Zac spends his time with other horse-powered vehicles, albeit toy ones. He has hundreds of Hot Wheels in his room and goes to car shows every other Saturday with his dad. On family drives when he spots a beautiful car, he announces the make and model with pinpoint accuracy. Clearly, Zac is passionate about powerful movement. This is for a young man whose parents were advised he might never walk.
Stride Ahead is honored to have Zac as one of our stellar students whose growth and confidence continues to inspire us. Thank you, Zac, for being a part of our program. We look forward to being along for your many rides in the days to come!
Thank you, Zac!
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Zac and all of our wonderful riders and volunteers who make Stride happen, thank you.
