Show jumper Cassandra Kahle is recovering from her traumatic brain injury, with landmarks including walking with the aid of a machine and finally being able to eat solid food.
The 29-year-old professional rider was hurt when her horse fell with her in a jump-off at a show in January. She is getting better at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, boosted by her positive attitude and hard work in her therapy sessions.
Cassandra Kahle has a big smile as she recovers. (Photo courtesy of Natasha Brash)
“I have to say she is doing very well,” said Emil Spadone, the owner of Redfield Farm in Califon, N.J., and Ocala, Fla., where Cassie works.
“I got to see her firsthand walk on the Lokomat (treadmill) machine. Some of the rehab tools used in therapy are like from a sci-fi movie,” Emil said.
“They basically harness her to a robotic walking machine starting weightless and gradually add 70 percent of her own body weight to a 1,000-step, 18-minute walk. It was something to see,” enthused Emil.
“Then we had another four different hands-on session, with therapists working on all the aspects of resuming everyday activities.”
When Cassie was “cleared to go back on actual food,” at lunch she had a taste of plain chicken and string beans. Emil said she was very excited about being able to eat, and by dinnertime, enjoyed some hamburger, mashed potatoes and sweet potato pie.
Her mother, Natasha Brash, is with her and by the end of the month, it is hoped Cassie will be living in an on-site apartment but as an outpatient, coming to the center daily for her sessions.
“The exciting part of this is that she can come home on the weekends and be with her dog and the entire Redfield family,” Emil said.
We’ll keep you posted.