Meet Randy De Biase

Looking Forward to the Ride of His Life

by Kathy Wechsler

When Randolph "Randy" De Biase, 54, of Independence, W.Va., looks out his window, hes comforted and filled with joy at the sight of Joe and Dutch his two horses grazing in the lush pasture surrounding the barn.

Winner of the 2002 MDA Personal Achievement Award for West Virginia, De Biase has a special relationship with his trusty quarter horse, Joe, who helps him maintain a positive outlook on life, despite a diagnosis of inclusion-body myositis in 1996. The disease has made his life harder, he says, forcing him to give up his small retail grocery, but his winning attitude goes a long way.

"Dont dwell on what you cant do," said De Biase, who uses a cane, manual wheelchair and power scooter for mobility. "You have to think about the things you can do."

Dressed as a member of the Union Cavalry, De Biase holds the American flag in the opening ceremony of a jumping competition hosted by West Virginia Universitys equestrian team in 1992. Above right, De Biase still enjoys riding Joe.

Not Just Horsing Around

De Biase has been interested in horses most of his life and has many fond memories of his trail-riding days. Hes trained both horses and riders for many years.

Determined to stay in the saddle for as long as possible, De Biase rides Joe for therapy as well as pleasure.

"When I ride, I feel better," said De Biase, who experiences muscle weakness and soreness, joint pain and complications associated with diabetes. His scooter allows him to take part in Joes care, which is also enjoyable for De Biase. Even if he doesnt feel up to riding, simply being near Joe helps build a personal relationship between man and horse.

De Biase specially trained Joe to adapt to his slowly progressing disability. He taught Joe to lower his head so that De Biase can easily put on his halter, stand still for mounting and dismounting, respond to word commands, recognize and respond to light leg squeezing, and tolerate inadvertent movements due to muscle spasms. De Biase gets on and off his horse from a mounting block, which brings him up to Joes level, and says that Joe anticipates his next move as if he knows what De Biase is thinking.

When leaving his immediate property on horseback, De Biase never rides alone. He has never been thrown from Joe, but chooses to play it safe.

Sharing the Wealth

De Biase has a wonderfully supportive family and caring friends. He enjoys riding with his wife, Anita, who is also passionate about horses.

Offering his dedicated spirit and knowledge of horses, De Biase helps his neighbors with their horses from Joes back. De Biase has a lot of tips for "challenged" riders. Though he no longer gives regular lessons, he eagerly shares his appreciation of horses and riding with others who have disabilities.

Horseback riding is only one of his interests. De Biase is a "life" member of the Marine Corps League, for which he attends meetings, assists with charity events and helps with parades. He also serves as president of the Public Service District #1 Preston County Water Commission, a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee and member of the Fraternal Order of Police local 87.

Visiting from Texas during the summer, De Biases daughter and her family attend the annual Marine Corps League picnics, where De Biase specializes in videotaping all the fun.

Inspirations

Grateful to MDA for lending him a wheelchair and helping with the purchase of a scooter, De Biase participates in MDAs Jail for Bail program and goes to support groups to help others deal with problems brought on by their neuromuscular diseases.

"Mattie [Stepanek] is a huge inspiration to me," said De Biase, who visits his neurologist at the Morgantown MDA Clinic every six months. Hes amazed and inspired by youngsters with disabilities, for living strong and fulfilling lives.