On a high horse for good cause

Changing society’s views on the capabilities and role of disabled children in South Africa and the world is what drives ability activist, Michaela “Chaeli” Mycroft.

Born with cerebral palsy and a degenerative neuropathy, 23-year-old Chaeli is the first female quadriplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, and the first wheelchair athlete to finish the Comrades Marathon.

And she’s pushing boundaries again - starting today, she will undertake a 75km journey on horseback through Meerendal Wine Estate, reports the Weekend Argus.

“For me it’s about changing perceptions. We all have challenges, but it matters what we do about them,” she said.

Chaeli has been practising since November.

“At first Chaeli would not sit straight up on the horse when she started practising. The last time she did horse riding was when she was only 11 years old. But she’s now sitting comfortably. Her body is now stronger and her mind as well,” said her mother, and CEO of the Chaeli Campaign, Zelda Mycroft.

Physical therapist and professional animal wrangler, Sarah Manning, said Chaeli is going to need to work “ten-fold more than your average, able-bodied person”.

“Her body has to continuously work against its own muscle tension and against gravity to stay upright. Now add to that a horse - a moving, unpredictable creature - and the difficulty is compounded. This challenge will be immense for her.”

Chaeli is raising funds for Chaeli Cottage Pre-school - an early childhood development centre for disabled children.

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