Meet Oakley Parks and her horse “Champ.” Oakley is the ten-year-old daughter of Barrett Parks and Deena Albert Parks, of Woodland.
To meet her, you wouldn’t know that Oakley faces any challenges. She has an infectious smile, drive, and work ethic that rivals some adults, and a heart as big as her horse.
Oakley was born with Spina bifida. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Spina bifida is a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.” In April of this year, Oakley had major spinal surgery, as well as having plates and screws removed from her legs. She then contracted a severe infection. That didn’t slow her down.
In August, she exhibited in both the Western and Hunter horse shows at the Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle. This just scratches the surface of Oakley’s story.
This is Oakley’s first year being involved in 4-H. She shows sheep and horses, and works with her parents on their farm, where at any given time you might find sheep, goats, horses, beef cattle, dairy cattle, and rabbits. Her family and friends will tell you that there is nothing that Oakley cannot do.
At the Northern Fair shows, Oakley knew exactly where and when she needed to be, the perfectly orchestrated outfit she needed to wear at that moment, and exactly when she needed to ask for help to get on Champ.
This isn’t the end of Oakley’s story. She is a young lady who strives to make waves in the world. She aspires to be a Paralympian. Oakley is on the hunt for a miniature horse to help others in need by going into nursing homes and other places.
4-H programs in Maine have been in existence for several decades. For more information about 4-H in Maine and to volunteer, go to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H website at extension.umaine.edu/4h/.
