1. How did you first get introduced to horses? Tell us about your riding and driving journey.

I've always loved horses, but never really done anything other than a trail ride on vacation. I attend Burn Camp for Pediatric Burn Survivors, and my trainer Stacey ended up donating four riding lessons to a fundraiser. Someone there knew I loved horses, so they gave me those lessons and from there, those four lessons just continued on until here we are today.

We started out riding, and of course we had to figure out how to modify all the equipment, because I'm a quadruple amputee. There was a lot of duct tape and zip ties involved! After about three or four lessons, Stacey suggested trying carriage driving just for something new. I rode horses for a few years mixed with carriage driving, but now I only drive.

2. What drew you to driving specifically, and how does it compare to riding for you?

I found driving to be more fun. It takes less on my body to balance because you're sitting in the carriage. It just worked better for me.

3. What's been your proudest moment as a driver so far?

My proudest moment was making it to the FEI Para-Driving World Championships in the Netherlands and coming home with a bronze medal in dressage. That was 2023 and it was actually my first time leaving the country, so that was a whole new experience in itself. Being on that big stage felt like an electric feel. You could feel all the emotions around you.

4. What's something about horse care, training, or horsemanship that has surprised you?

I've learned that it takes a special horse to be a para-driving horse, especially for me with my limited movement. The horse has to be okay with a rider who's a little rough on the mouth, and they have to have just the right demeanor. It's not something you can go out and buy any horse and make work. When I lost my own horse a couple years ago, everyone said, "Why don't you just get a new one?" But it's not that easy. You have to find one that fits all those very specific categories.

5. What's the funniest or most memorable thing that's happened to you with horses?

We always try to keep things fun. For the marathon phase of driving, I have rainbow unicorn horns and we dress up. During COVID, we did a toilet paper challenge. Stacey would hold five rolls of toilet paper and a chicken, and we'd go back and forth with friends, videoing each other trying to hold more. "We can hold four, but we'll up you one and add a chicken!" You have to keep it fun.

6.What does driving give you that nothing else does?

Freedom. Para-driving with the right accommodations makes it an equal playing field. You're in your own category, but you're able to compete fairly alongside everyone else. Driving gives me the freedom to just feel normal.

7. How has the horse community shown up for you along the way?

The horse I owned was actually given to me through the horse community. There's always been a willingness to donate toward whatever endeavors I'm trying to pursue. And when I competed at the FEI Para-Driving World Championships in the Netherlands, some of our barn family actually came on vacation just to be there and watch me compete. It's just a family, a farmily, really.

8. Who inspires you most in the horse world?

One of my biggest mentors is Mr. Bob Giles from Florida. He was the one who first got me into para-driving. I was watching friends compete and he came over and told me about what he does and said I should try it. I did and years later, we actually competed together at the World Championships. It was a real full-circle moment. He started me in this sport, and then we made it to the big stage together. It was his last Worlds, and getting to share that with him meant everything.

9. What advice would you give someone just starting out with driving?

Find your group of people. The driving community is very helpful and it's a tight-knit world. If you get yourself into the right group, there's a lot of support. And just have fun.

10. Who's your all-time favorite heart horse, and what made them so special?

My heart horse was Prince Charming, Prince. He was my first horse, and he was the one who got me to the Worlds. I didn't compete with him there, but every qualification and every show over the years that led up to that moment was with him. He came from a not-so-great situation, and he had scars on his hips and hocks from rope burn. We bonded over our scars. He was one of a kind, my unicorn. That's why we wear unicorn helmet covers. I only had him four years, but we made a lot of memories. Eventually another special horse will come along, but there will never be another Prince.