Our Inspiration |
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Riley Church was a typical, horse-crazy little girl. In 2000, when she was 8 years old, Riley began riding lessons with Wendy Mattes at Webb Ranch. She rode on Friday afternoons in a group with 3 of her friends. These Friday afternoon dressage lessons were the highlight of Riley's week.
As most little girls do at Webb Ranch, Riley soon leased her first horse. Al was a big sorrel Quarter Horse gelding. On her 11th birthday in March 2003, Riley leased her second horse. Louie was a beautiful grey Polish Arabian gelding with a luscious mane and tail and impressive brown starburst-shaped spot on the right side of his face. His owner, Martha Rykala, was incredibly generous and supportive and in a sense, "gave" Louie to Riley. Louie became the love and passion of Riley's life.
Sadly, Riley was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor on New Year's Day 2004 at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Under the direction of Dr. Paul Fisher, she began an intensive year-long treatment program of radiation and chemotherapy, during which time she did extremely well -- continuing to go to school, taking weekly riding lessons, entering competitive events at Webb Ranch and around the area, and living as normal a life as possible. 2005 went well and Riley thrived, but, unfortunately, in January 2006, Riley relapsed. |
In April 2006, when Riley could no longer travel to the ranch to see Louie, her dear friends Martha Rykala, Lori Stambler-Hill, Joan Ravier and Wendy Mattes borrowed a miniature horse and drove her to Riley's home in San Carlos for a visit. Right into the living room that little horse came. The look of pure joy on Riley's face was wonderful to see. That little mini-horse marched through the front door, looked around and walked straight over to Riley. She stayed there with her head in Riley's lap for the next hour, letting Riley pet and love her.It was a moment in time that will never be forgotten by anyone who was there that day to witness it.
Riley passed away a month later, in May 2006. |
Riley with Minnie 2005 |
| Riley lived her life with a positive, optimistic attitude, and never let cancer define who she was. It was Riley's dream to go to college to study veterinary medicine, and to ride dressage for the United States in the Olympics. Riley's smile lit up her face. She had an infectious laugh, an impish sense of humor, and wisdom beyond her years. Her love of all animals, but especially cats, dogs, horses, lambs and goats (she always wanted one) contributed to her compassionate nature. She was kind, caring and always thought the best of others. Riley's courage in the face of adversity inspired many. Through her legacy she continues to inspire us. |
Halloween 2005 |
| www.rileys-place.org | 880 Runnymede Road | Woodside, CA 94062 | 650.703.5199 | email: wendy@rileys-place.org |
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