I have come to
realize the
difference
between a
disaster and
a blessing.
38 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
EE
So much fear and worry about being able to take care of
my two daughters! The medical team who supported me
was wonderful, helping me stay strong and positive. I was
in a full back brace for months and spent hours each week
in physical therapy. This may sound cliché, but my healing
went much deeper than just the physical body. I healed on
all levels when my body broke.
In June 2015, with clearance from my spine doctor at Raleigh
Orthopaedic, I got back on the horse and regained
some confidence. Nine months after breaking my back, I
returned to competition along with my daughter.
I became an exercise rider for a wonderful horse named
Vida- a 17’2 powerful grey event horse with a heart of
gold. The owner, Carey Adams, who was my riding mentor,
helped me push past my fears and dust off from my original
fall at age 16.
We have all come so far in three years. During my time out
of the saddle when I was in the brace shortly after my fall,
I reclaimed my passion for painting and now specialize as
an equestrian artist. In addition, I finally did a combined
test last year and placed second. My book called “The
Price of Fantasy” about being the daughter of an “original
Madmen” series advertising agency owner is expected to
be published this year.
We have a long way to go to reach our ultimate goals.
but we have come so far from where we started. Like me,
both of my children put their whole hearts into whatever
they do. They were a huge part of my healing process and
inspired me to push through the hardest times. My children
and friends have been so wonderful through it all and I am
very grateful.
Most days, I have zero pain and more energy than anyone
I know! I attribute this to my strong faith, wonderful children
and belief in miracles. I have
come to realize the difference
between a disaster
and a blessing. It turns out
my accident was a blessing
in disguise and the catalyst
for finally accomplishing my
biggest goals and dreams.
My passion for eventing
and combined training
was reignited and my
love for the sport far outweighed
the fear from
my fall. I am eternally
grateful to Carey for her
help. Most importantly
she sold us “Primetime”
(“Charm”), a lovely bay
registered Holsteiner
mare, and helped me
make Julia’s dream
come true.
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