The Secret Life of McKenna: In which McKenna uses 20 exclamation points over the course of five paragraphs

Which can only mean one thing: Her doctors have finally cleared her to ride.

From McKenna:

On Monday I went to the Kennedy Krieger Institute to check back in with my Neuro Team. And guess what?! I got the go ahead that it was OK to start riding a bit!!! The bonus of my appointment was the fact I didn’t need to do ANY tests at all! I normally have to take the imPACT concussion test, balance tests, and a few others to test where I am at in my recovery. However, my doctors unanimously decided that it was unnecessary for me that day! Major score!

I was pretty nervous that my level of allowed activity was going to stay the same because when I asked “Can I ride?!?!” my doctors just looked around the room nervously until one of them finally blurted out “Well, I don’t see why not as long as it is in moderation and you don’t jump for a few weeks.” PRAISE THE LORD!

Immediately after my appointment, my mom and I headed out to the barn so I could finally ride Gigi for the first time again in three months!!!! I can’t even describe how great it felt! I didn’t do much, just enough to get a little ride in, but I can feel a huge difference already in Gigi so big props go out to my trainer Courtney!

My shoulder issue is in the process of being solved but as of now surgery is not on the table which is very nice!

There is light at the end of the tunnel… finally!!! Maybe the season for me isn’t that far away—I guess time will tell.

Back in the tack!

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About the Author

McKenna Oxenden is a 16-year-old junior in high school, hailing from Columbia, MD. McKenna is a training level event rider and is currently campaigning the 15.1 Trakhener Cross, “Gossip Girl” a.k.a. Gigi and previously competed 13.2 pony superstar, Dorito Cooler Ranch, through training level. She has worked for CCI4* event rider, Emily Beshear and currently trains with Courtney Sendak of Defying Gravity Eventing. She is also an active ambassador to JustWorld International. When McKenna isn’t busy writing or riding, she is taking photographs and playing in Photoshop. You can see some of her work by liking her Facebook page (Mckenna Erinn Photography).