Foreword
When my beloved dog passed away on September 27, 2020, I believed for a very long time that it was the worst thing that could ever happen to me. The loss of a best friend.
Two and a half years later, my perspective changed. Something occurred that I never imagined could happen to me—a serious accident that altered not only my life, but also the lives of those close to me.
The reason I’m writing this is to show that life can indeed offer new perspectives—if we’re willing to truly look. I want to share my experience here, and also give a voice to those closest to me. “From Practice, For Practice” is the title of this project, and it is meant to encourage others to start exactly where they are.
My true passion has always been horses. And even though the accident—just an unfortunate stroke of bad luck—involved horses, it somehow completed the circle of my lifelong passion.
Happens, somewhere somehow
Hello, let me introduce myself. I’m Jasmin Nussbaumer, 57 years old. A passionate equestrian — specializing in dressage. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Since the age of five, I’ve been fascinated by them and the sense of freedom and lightness that riding brings.
From a young age, horses led me to the competitive arena. The dream of turning my passion into a profession alarmed my parents. Riding was fine as a hobby, but not as a career—this was made very clear. As an obedient daughter, I completed a commercial apprenticeship and later earned a degree in business administration. This led me to a career in management consulting — while dressage riding remained my constant companion and personal passion.
What happened?
About a week after my 55th birthday, my life took an unexpected turn and presented me with entirely new challenges. Life wasn’t going to simply go on as it had. On February 12, 2023, I suffered a serious riding accident.
What’s the diagnosis?
Briefly put: Left-sided ataxia with speech and balance disorders.
Following a prolonged stay in the hospital, I was transferred to a rehabilitation clinic, where I was meant to regain control over my life. Walking, speaking, thinking—all of these needed to be addressed through rehab. Before long, I found myself in a group of stroke patients.
Needless to say, as a tall, athletic, and entrepreneurial woman—1.80 meters tall and now weighing only 58 kilograms—an idea began to take shape during a long, dark night: to develop a plan that would help me rise out of this difficult situation.