St. Pete Teen Wins Gold At Special Olympics Equestrian Contest

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Here’s one teen who isn’t just horsing around. Elizabeth Backman, 17, brought home a gold medal from the Special Olympics Florida Equestrian Sports Championships.

The St. Petersburg resident, who has autism, rides horses as a form of therapy.

"It's really important to me,” said Backman. “It keeps me fit and brings me great joy and excitement.”

A lack of funds nearly kept her away from pursuing her love of riding horses until the nonprofit Watermark for Kids organization stepped in to help fund her therapy.

"Seeing first-hand how the program was helping her thrive, I didn’t want to see that happen. So, we offered to sponsor her lessons for six months through Watermark for Kids," said Melissa Krysh, community life director at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, a Watermark retirement community at 1255 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg.

While the teen said she’s always loved horses, her difficulties with autism kept her out of the saddle.

Adopted at age 3, Backman struggled with emotional and behavioral issues in school. Finally, healthcare professionals suggested she undergo testing.

"After months of hospitalizations and testing, Elizabeth was diagnosed with a number of challenges, including being on the autism spectrum," said her mother, Coleen Backman. "It was recommended that she be placed in a group home but I just couldn't do that."

Fortunately, Backman’s health insurance offered several services including equine therapy at Inspire Equine Therapy in Clearwater. It was there that the teen met Krysh.

After hearing the girl’s story, Krysh said she knew she had to find a way to help.

"From talking to Elizabeth's mom, I found out that she may not be able to continue lessons because of a lack of funds and her insurance coverage coming to an end," said Krysh.

So Krysh nominated Backman to be the next Watermark Kid.

Watermark for Kids is a national nonprofit associated with Watermark Retirement Communities, which owns and operates The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay and 51 other communities nationwide. The organization is committed to empowering underserved kids ages 6 through 22.

"Elizabeth was so excited when she found out that she was going to be able to keep riding," said her mother. "We can't thank Watermark for Kids and The Fountains enough. Their generosity is allowing her to continue her lessons, which have had such a positive impact on her life. We are so thankful for that."

After a successful competition at the Regional Special Olympics where Backman was awarded first places in both events she competed in, the teen went on to the Florida championships March 23 at the Grand Oaks Equestrian Center in Weirsdale where she received her first gold medal and took second place in the trails competition.

"Riding and competing means I can feel proud of myself," said Backman. "It means freedom to be whoever I want to be."

Watermark for Kids is a national nonprofit organization for deserving local kids. Funds are raised through payroll deductions and fundraising projects spearheaded by residents and associates of 38 Watermark retirement communities nationwide. In return, Watermark Kids are asked to "pay it forward" by mentoring others.

Images via Watermark for Kids

.