[ad_1]

Maliya Gafford is a 10-year-old, who last year had a wish and let rodeo announcer Bob Tallman know what it was: She wanted to ride a horse.

That wish came true on May 21 when she climbed aboard a horse named Boomerang at the Shadowood Farm, south of Reno, riding for more than an hour.

But her story goes back to 2019. It was then she had horrible headaches and doctor found a brain tumor. She underwent brain surgery on Nov. 10 that year.

Then, in 2020, she was was named Reno Rodeo Wish Recipient, and she and her family received a trip to Disneyland.

But the cancer was still there, and on Nov. 7, 2020, Maliya underwent her second brain surgery.

In 2021, Maliya was chosen to attend the National Finals Rodeo as a Circle of Champions with other children connected with Rodeo Associations throughout the country.  It was there she met famed rodeo announcer Bob Tallman and let her wish be known.  

The Reno Rodeo Foundation took over to make her wish come true.

But there were more problems. The cancer was back — at stage three.

On March 10, there was a third brain surgery.

Maliya responded well and it was decided to try for the horseback ride.

So on Saturday, Maliya and her cousin and best friend, Madi Gafford, arrived at the Shadowood Farm to learn to ride horses. Both girls were given new cowboy hats donated by Jack Bassett, owner of the D Bar M western store. Then, they learned to brush the horses and helped with bridles and saddles.

She was then in the saddle, and with a helping hand, they took off. Soon, it was time to ride on their own and, finally, even trot a little bit.

When it was over, Maliya said she enjoyed it and is looking forward to another ride. 

Then, she and Madi fed the horses fruit and peppermints.

Adblock test (Why?)

[ad_2]

Source link