Adaptive Technology: Amazing Lift Makes Horseback Riding More Accessible

It’s amazing how adaptive technology can open doors for people with disabilities! United Spinal Association shared an incredible video on social media to demonstrate how a specialized lift could help a wheelchair user go horseback riding. In the clip, a woman who couldn’t normally mount a horse on her own was able to do so using this helpful device. She looked so happy to be in the saddle!

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It seemed like a fairly simple setup. There was a platform with a seat on it, protected by safety gates that could open and close. An operator stood by to elevate and lower the platform as needed. All the wheelchair user had to do was get herself into the seat and secure the gate. Once the operator raised the platform high enough for the woman to get onto the horse, someone else helped her get situated. Then, having transferred from the lift to the saddle, it was time to go horseback riding!

Marcela Marañon, the wheelchair user in the video, is no stranger to adaptive technology. As an accessibility advocate, her social media presence is all about the different ways she navigates life with a disability. One thing is for sure: she doesn’t let anything stop her from doing what she loves! Marcela’s adventurous spirit has taken her on many a bold excursion, usually with the help of accessibility aids.

In one video, this woman tried an adaptive surfboard so that she could ride the waves. She had the biggest smile on her face as she held onto the board with her arms.

Another clip showed Marcela using a handcycle bike so that she could pedal without her legs.

What’s especially cool about this woman’s social media presence is that she’s raising awareness of just how much assistive technology there is for different activities! Whether she’s using a lift for horseback riding or a hand-operated bike, her can-do spirit is really inspiring.

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.