On 8th March 2020, while riding my horse Landmark, I suffered a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (Secondary to Ruptured Right MCA Bifurcation Aneurysm – with a Right sided Craniotomy and craniotomy clipping of MCA aneurysm with a EVD insertion/ICP insertion), followed by a stroke.  This meant an extended rehab, learning to walk, talk and do the things I’d taken for granted every day until then.  Simple things became frustratingly difficult.  Nevertheless, 2 years on from that fateful day, after hundreds of hours of repetitive rehab and painful physio, I had my first sit on a horse.  In our first 18 months HV Dante and I received our FEI classification Grade 4 and together we achieved the following:

2022 Equestrian South Australia EA Para State Championship, 2023 Equestrian South Australia FEI Para State Championship,  2023 Equestrian Australia FEI Gr4 National Championship, 2024 Equestrian South Australia Para Horse and Rider of the Year, Current Member of the State High Performance Squad, Current member on the Equestrian Australia National High Performance Squad and we have achieved 2 qualifying scores for the Paralympics.   

Whilst I love love love South Australia, all necessary qualifying events (CPEDI’s)  are interstate,  and travel costs alone are frightening let alone the cost of Drivers, Caravan Hire, Stable Hire, entry fees and the odd roadhouse meal.   To give you an idea, our last trip to Willinga Park cost more than $5000.00.   This dream needs dollars to drive it, but I believe with your support and the unconditional love of my family and friends - the impossible is very much possible. This year I am beginning the journey with my young horse Nero R. This horse has the smarts, the talent and the ability to represent Australia and it all starts with getting out and about. Firstly will be 2-3 interstate competitions this year with a goal to be competing FEI Grade 4 GP next year then onto Qualifying Events. Your donations are tax deductible and are absolutely essential to this quest. Dreams are great and goals are good, but your support is what keeps the wheels turning and our eyes firmly on the prize.