Pantera, a 10-year-old Dutch warmblood gelding, was put down Monday, September 17 at Cathy Wieschoff’s Carriage Station Farm. He was apparently kicked out in the field breaking his right femur. Veterinarians decided he could not be saved.  

Pantera was owned by Debbie Atkinson but had been ridden by Cathy since Debbie’s accident at Kentucky Classic Horse Trials, September of 2006.

Pantera was imported as a four-year-old by Tammy Crawford of Arrington, Tennessee but later found himself at Debbie’s Hillview Farm, Thompson’s Station, Tennessee. It was thought that he would make an event horse since he had failed at other disciplines. After much hard work he was finally convinced that eventing could be fun. He won trials at novice through preliminary, showing that he could be a fancy dressage horse and a bold accurate jumper.

His potential for the upper levels was apparent but he could be a difficult ride. Cathy took over the reins when Debbie could no longer ride. In October 2006, Cathy and Pantera were reserve champions at the Midsouth CCI *. They moved up to intermediate in 2007 with mixed results but Cathy stayed patient. Right before his death, he ran well at Poplar Place Horse Trials in Hamilton, Georgia placing eighth, with only some time faults cross-country holding him back.

His death is a tremendous emotional loss for both Cathy and Debbie. His ashes will be spread at Debbie’s farm in Columbia, Kentucky.

Early on January 5th, Debbie left Atlanta in her new van on her way home, with Mike driving and Lynn with them. Her new wheel chair, voice activated computer and portable ventilator with her.  

Debbie is really looking forward to being home for the first time to be with Mike, her dogs and sheep (the horses have all been placed). She's had quite enough of hospitals and sterile environments. Much of the time she has had photos of her animals and fun, cherry room decorations. However, for the last few weeks at Shepard, she had been changing rooms too often and sent the decor home.

Over New Year's, Mindy Friezen brought a hair stylist friend to the hospital and Debbie got a new "do". Apparently, with much laughter, mirrors and clowning. This was quite a procedure given the myriad of machines that are not improved by water and the necessity to keep hair clippings out of absolutely everything. The end result was quite attractive, but the fun of the process was just as important. Debbie really enjoys visitors and is engaging even when she is having a bad day.

Although Debbie can talk on the phone, head phones have to get placed and the speaker mike positioned - which is not convenient. In order to talk, she has to wait until the ventilator exhales to have the air to make words. Thus, her words come in unnatural spurts. So, the phone is not the easiest way to communicate with her. She is gaining experience with her computer and can be contacted via email.

Did we mention Debbie truly enjoys visitors???? None of Debbie's cognitive faculties were affected by the accident. So, she is fully aware, tenacious and humorous as ever. Her facial expression and communication ability is much as we knew it prior to her accident.

Some realities. She has limited head mobility. She moves her wheelchair using a breath tube that has to be close enough for her to access it. She can chew and swallow. Her diet is unrestricted and she is fond of pasta salad and fresh fruit. All other functions have to be done for her. This includes breathing, feeding, moving of any type and care of bodily functions. She does have a pace maker. Obviously, much of Debbie's functioning requires electricity. Her house has been adapted for that reality including a generator in case of power outages. Ramps have been built and other necessary adjustments made.

There is a possibility that in a few months she will be able to have a procedure that will allow her to come off the ventilator. It is experimental and she will have to learn to breathe again once it is successful. She will either go to Cleveland or back to Atlanta to have it done.

Debbie needs some help finding and financing the 24-hour tech care she requires. They have some folks to get started, but both Debbie and her mother (80+ years old and capable as she can be) said this is one of their greatest concerns. To date, Debbie and Mike have not found much help available through the state. Debbie can certainly use your continued support, best wishes and prayers.