Our story
In April 2006 my life drastically changed. I was involved in an RTC. I suffered multiple injuries including a broken femur, ribs, and pelvis, but the lasting damage was a T6/T7 complete spinal injury and a brachial plexus injury to my right arm. Meaning the only movement I have left is my left arm, head, and shoulders. I was 15 years old and had been riding horses and showjumping from the age of 5. Horses were my life and being told I will never ride again shattered my heart. A couple of years before my accident I bought a young horse to break myself, I did all the work and loved her but due to the crash, she had to be sold. I swore that one day I would get back into horses and find a way to do it all again. Carriage driving was the route I found I’d be able to do so I decided to buy a Friesian sport mare to breed a foal to eventually drive and compete, and I named him Majestic. When Majestic was just 2 I spent every day on the ground playing with him, getting him used to me using the skills I knew about horses from before and adapting it to what movement I have now. Many people were unsure even against me driving such a young big powerful horse but I gained trust with him. I sent him away for 8 weeks to be introduced to the carriage. When he came back my mum drove him a couple of times and although he was still very green I wanted to take the reins. I didn't want my disability to stop me from being the one to do it with him. I found an amazing woman who introduced me to the driving trials and saw past my limitations. The driving trials are fast-paced and could give me the adrenaline showjumping did. I needed that back in my life. I was the one who took him to his first competition and we are improving more and more at each outing. Although people doubted me being able to handle him I didn’t let my disability stop me and never will. We are only 2 years into our competition journey but I train each day. Majestic gave me focus and gave me something to work towards each day. I compete against fully able people and make no allowances for my disability. I just have to work harder.
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