Tears came to the eyes of Lucian Rodriguez as he got ready to return the trophy he had won last year in the Beginner Independent Division at the finals of the Long Island Riders with Disabilities competition during the Hampton Classic this week.
Lucian Rodriguez celebrates. (Photo by Patty Kovacic)
Despite the name of the event, it’s open to riders from beyond Long Island, and it’s the biggest moment of the year for Lucian. The resident of Boonton suffered a near-fatal mugging in New York City 16 years ago. Doctors believed he would never walk or talk again. He proved them wrong and has worked hard to cope with aphasia, which can be caused by trauma or a stroke and involves problems with understanding and expression.
Riding has been at the center of his life for the last 12 years, and his therapy on horseback has improved his existence, opening doors as he proved his determination and resilience. It took him a year to learn to post, but he kept at it and was able to navigate a horse on his own, instead of being led.
Competition is a way for him to prove himself. The ribbons and trophies he has earned are more than symbolic for him. They are a way for him to measure success as he tries to rise above his challenges.
“I love winning awards,” he once told me.
The 2017 trophy was symbolic of all he had accomplished. But when he came to this year’s competition, he had to bring the trophy he treasured back with him, because it was designated to go to the person who won the class this year. Happily, that was Lucian.
Aboard Sebastian, a horse he has ridden only a few times, Lucian, 42, excelled in the figure eight portion of his test, which may have clinched the honors for him and enabled him to take the trophy home once more
“He is thrilled to have it back,” said Patricia Kovacic, his partner and caregiver.
Never one to stand on his laurels, Lucian already is planning for next year’s competition, where he hopes to move up to the advanced competition. The man who has beaten the odds before is a good bet to take a new trophy in 2019.