Riding a horse is like walking again for Deb Lewin. Almost four years ago, a car smashed into Lewin's vehicle, and the Richardson, Texas, resident suffered a brain injury that left her paralyzed on her left side. Her vision and hearing are also impaired. It was the first time she had ridden a horse. On Tuesday afternoon at Kemper Arena, Lewin won the 1999 United Professional Horsemen's Association Exceptional Challenge Cup.
Organizers say it is the first national championship for challenged riders.
For the last two years, nine riders have qualified for the event. The horses perform a walk and trot. Only the rider is judged. Averitt finished in second place and was crowned reserve grand champion. Hoormann has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder.