On horseback, Ann Romney talks about health struggle

(CBS News) Ann Romney took to horseback Wednesday and spoke about her personal struggles with multiple sclerosis.

"I just want those people that have never experienced this to understand how magical these horses are," Romney said, while riding at the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association in Ocala, Fla.

The wife of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney discussed the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding, highlighting one young female rider with cerebral palsy and ambitions of making the U.S. paralympic team.

"This wonderful young woman over here has CP [cerebral palsy], and she is doing well and has even got goals of trying to be on the paralympic team," Mrs. Romney said.

"They've been a great gift to my life."

It seems she was unable to keep everyone in attendance entertained, however. Mrs. Romney joked that the horse she was on, Duke, fell asleep during her remarks.

An avid horseback rider, this is Mrs. Romney's first presidential campaign appearance with horses, though this isn't the first time we've seen her on horseback. The Los Angeles Times last month reported on her expensive passion for dressage, a sport that is also referred to as "horse ballet."

[ddhill50]

after hearing Mrs. Romney's account of her struggles with her health and the benefits of her work with horses, I have to wonder how a woman with MS and cancer in her life who only earns $28,000/ yr and is a single mother would handle it. They must, you know, and do every day.

[Tami Johnson]

First of all, dressage set to music is called a Kur and is only one tiny version of dressage. The Big Picture is that dressage is similar to figure skating.

Second, it's complete bullish*t to say "a large percentage of the time , dressage trainers border on cruelty." That's no different than saying "a large percentage of women are blonde."

Third and most important, MTRA (Marion Therapeutic Riding Association) is a 501(c)(3) entity and operates entirely from community and private donations and whatever fundraising activity they do, and the only riders that pay for their lessons are the ones who can afford it. The vast majority pay nothing. Therapeutic horsemanship is not for the rich... it's for those who need it mentally or physically.

Try to focus here people. This event was about MTRA. Yes, it is an election year and of course Mrs. Romney is stumping for her husband. But the simple fact is that she was very gracious and focused on the program and the riders, took her time with both, and we were able to gain a lot of awareness and exposure for therapeutic horsemanship with virtually no politics. That is, until someone shouted out at the end "VOTE FOR MITT", which I felt was inappropriate and unnecessary. Still, even though I am unlikely to vote for her husband, I appreciate her taking the time to use her celebrity status to shine a little light on our very worthy program.

[inmom63]

To airjackie...you may have all the details about the Romneys, but you don't know squat about dressage. Just so you won't appear so stupid next time...dressage isn't "dressing" a horse. It's showing a horse with steps set to music. It's very difficult and takes alot of talent and training...both for the horse and the rider. Geez...!!!

[josephp5]

I think what it really takes is money.

[nancy_naive]

And a large percentage of the time, dressage trainers border on cruelty.

[airjackie]

It's called showing off but to ignorant to know it. Millions of women are suffering from many illnesses and Ann just thinks of herself. Most women think getting food/rent/clothes are important as few can look to dress a horse or even have a horse. Watching a child with Multiple Sclerosis and their parents pray for help with medical care as both work. Ann born to wealthy parents saw a Mormon son of a famous Governor of Michigan and gave up her religion to be a Mormon and marry wealth. Well Mitt dodged the Draft and skipped off to France. Ann set her eyes on another possible rich Mormon at BYU, Kim S. Cameron as they became a couple. Ann did skip off go France to see Mitt who was living great with the love freedom of France. Ann returned to Kim Cameron and looked for him to give her the rich life. Ann did get a college Degree but never used it as Mitt came home after the Vietnam Draft was over. Mitt to assure he didn't have to serve ask Ann to marry him and he quickly entered BYU. Well Ann almost became the daughter in law of the President but George Romney didn't get the nomination. Life has been great for Ann as the thought of struggle most see in their life time Ann doesn't know. Ann had doctors even overseas to assure she recieved the best in health care. He 5 sons even use surrogates to produce their children so wives don't have to deal with that 9 months. The Romney men use vitro fertilization and now Ann has 18 grandkids and looking forward to more. With surrogates having the children the 5 sons wives can keep their sharps and health. Lenore Romney had health issues having kids and Ann sees her health issues. Why not let other women do that 9 months of suffering.

[jay1jay1]

She's going to ride that sympahty horse all the way to the election...It's a NO to Mitt!!!

[esq777]

"I just want those people that have never experienced this to understand how magical these horses are," In other words, all of you worthless little people out there who can't afford your own horse, don't give up hope, maybe somebody you can marry a Willard worth 250 million (thanks to his daddy) and you too can have your own therapeutic horse. If you're really lucky you can have a dancing horse like I do. Give me a break.

[retmw1]

Not to metion his free heathcare provided by the taxpayers of Mass.

[nancy_naive]

Initial purchase $8,000 and $15,000/year for 6 years in order to compete in the "B" class Hunter-Jumper shows and a handful of "A" class shows, all for a steamer-trunk full of red & blue ribbons and plastic trophies; only to eventually donate the horse to a university equestrian program.

On the good side, my daughter came to understand the concepts of sportsmanship & competition, work in preparation, care of the animal & equipment and, most importantly, how to handle a large ignorant, obstinate beast that will no doubt payoff considering some of the boys she is dating in college.