Doctors told Back on Track Ambassador Lauren Reischer's parents she'd never walk or talk after she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She's been proving them wrong ever since.
Today, Lauren is a passionate accessibility advocate and an inspiration for riders everywhere. She fell in love with horses after therapeutic riding transformed her life, and now she's on a mission to make horses more accessible for everyone.
Keep reading to learn more about Lauren Reischer and how she advocates for improving accessibility in the equestrian world.
Lauren's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph
Lauren separated her legs for the first time ever during a therapeutic riding lesson at three years old. Before that, her brain thought of her legs as a mermaid tail.
The horses taught her to walk by developing her muscle memory. But they quickly became more than just therapy to her.
Lauren's love for horses and riding motivated her through thousands of hours of physical therapy. After Lauren graduated from her therapeutic riding program, the barn where she took lessons became the first place she felt she truly belonged.
She continued riding through college at Brown University, where she joined the IHSA team and eventually became team captain. When Brown Athletics cut the team, Lauren fought to have them reinstated. Her success opened her eyes to the power of advocacy.
After graduating, Lauren developed a new show series for riders with disabilities with Special Olympics New York. The popularity of the program and its impact on riders confirmed the importance of her mission to improve accessibility in equestrian sport.
Today, Lauren is on the board of the therapeutic riding program where her journey began, GallopNYC.
We shared Lauren's full story and her advice for how everyone can help support her mission in our four-part series, Horses Are for Everyone. Want to learn more about her story? Start reading part one.
Raising Awareness to Improve Accessibility
Lauren understands the challenges of riders with disabilities because she's faced them herself. However, many equestrians without disabilities are unaware of how improving accessibility could improve the sport.
As a result, raising awareness has become an essential part of Lauren's mission. She is a popular and eloquent speaker passionate about speaking up for people who can't speak up for themselves.
Her inspirational story and talent for speaking have opened up more opportunities to raise awareness and advocate for causes she's passionate about.
"A lot of folks with disabilities don't have the opportunity to put their work or story on a platform, and I've been very lucky to do so. If my ability to do that is going to help drive change for folks who can't, I would jump at the opportunity."
What does Lauren hope audiences take away from her speaking engagements?
"Horses are for everyone. Horses can be for everyone, and you can help me make that true. Even if riding isn't in the cards right now, there is something with horses for you. We just have to find out what that is."
Speaking at BreyerFest 2024
Lauren was recently invited to be a guest speaker at BreyerFest, where she gave daily riding demonstrations in front of a live audience and a keynote seminar on therapeutic riding and her work.
"The opportunity to be a part of BreyerFest was so special. It really helped to bring awareness of the work I've done to a part of the country I normally don't have access to."
Partnering with Back on Track
When Lauren's friend introduced her to Back on Track, she immediately dove into the research behind the products to learn more about Welltex technology. The positive results she experienced with the products impressed her even more.
"I saw a measurable difference in my horses and said, I have to have this. Then, when I sought out partnerships for my programs, I felt like it fit right in Back on Track's wheelhouse. Prepare, perform, recover. That's what we do not only for our horses but also for our athletes."
Back on Track supported Lauren's Special Olympics Summer Show Series and continues to support her mission to improve accessibility in equestrian sport.
"It's been such a privilege to work with Back on Track. The team has been highly responsive to me, and I absolutely swear by the products I use."
How Back on Track Products Help Lauren
Lauren's favorite human products are the Julia Breeches and Back on Track Socks.
"I just got the Julia Breeches. I love them! I have found that the extra wide waistband and the extra length in the back of the breeches provide really phenomenal back support for riders like me who need to work on stabilizing their core."
She recommends the Back on Track Socks for anyone with orthotic braces.
"I also wear Back on Track socks under my orthotic braces, which I wear inside my tall boots. The orthotics, though effective, are really uncomfortable. So, it is really important to me to have extremely comfortable, durable socks to keep my feet comfortable in my boot and in my stirrup."
What's Next for Lauren?
While her work outside the arena is gaining momentum, Lauren also plans to focus on her riding goals this year.
"My goals are to get myself in the show ring this year. It hasn't happened in a long time. I've been so focused on making opportunities for other people that my own competitive edge has taken a backseat. My goal is to get that back this year."
Follow Lauren on Instagram @laurenreischer to learn more about her and how she's making the equestrian world more accessible for everyone.
Want to meet Lauren in person? She is heading to Equine Affaire to speak on November 9th in W. Springfield, Massachusetts. Back on Track USA will be attending the trade show at booth #714!
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