Chris was born in Florida Dec. 30, 1983.
Where he spent the 1st part of his life in hospitals and foster homes because he was born with fibular hemimilia in his right leg, a condition which left him without a fibula (1 of the 2 primary bones below the knee). He was also born with 3 fingers on both hands. His doctors were certain that Chris would never be able to walk.
Chris was adopted by Ken and Mary Beth Lipe when he was 5 months old, joining their 2 other children. When Chris was 2 1/2 years old he underwent the amputation of his right foot & shortly after was fitted for his prosthesis. He also had operations to repostion one of his fingers into a thumb.
therapeutic riding center.
He believes this will fulfill a double purpose in his life - Helping the disabled and continuing his love of working with horses.
For his 9th birthday Chris took his 1st lesson at a local riding stable. He fell in love with the sport & has been riding ever since! In 1999 he took part in his 1st disabled rider horse show sponsored by ACORD (American Competition Opportunities for Riders with Disabilities). In the summer of 2000 he was selected as one of 4 disabled riders in the country to compete in the North American Young Riders Championships in Denver Colorado & again in 2001 in Chicago, where he won the Gold Medal among disabled riders.
Jasmine - A beautiful Trakehner mare was purchased for Chris with many donations to the Lipe Foundation. Chris & Jasmine have a great relationship and have done very well at their 1st few shows together! "It almost feels like I'm dreaming and need to wake up! But them Jasmine rests her head on my shoulder showing me it is all real," Chris says about his new mare.
In the Show Ring
Dr. Jim Nash & His Wonderful Team, Lee Griffin, Chris & Stefanie Hamilton, Susan Soinski,
And Every One who has Contributed to donating time & money to the foudation...
It is appreciated more than will ever know!
This Foundation Has Been Established & Donations Are Greatly Appreciated.
All Donations Go To Support Chris, Jasmine & Our 2 Up & Coming Disabled Riders!
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
678-867-2003