I'm not the typical equestrian. I'm a little different than the rest. You won't know it by looking at me, but managing to fulfill my dream of riding horses came about in a very unexpected way and with very unexpected results and challenges.
After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and other multiple chronic illnesses at the age of 35, I was forced to rebuild my life. I needed something to motivate me and give me a reason to want to get out of bed and fight the disease. I love my children and my husband, but we all need to pursue that one passion that is "ours." I wanted to pursue my childhood dream of owning my own horse and enjoying it to the fullest extent possible. I was done hiding away from the world and being "sick." Oh, I'm still sick, very much so, but I no longer let it define who I am.
I knew that I would need to make adjustments to be successful due to my disease. Just as my father had to make adjustments as a paraplegic to live a fulfilling life, I was determined not to let my disability take my dreams away.
I've found there are good days and bad days, but it never fails. If I manage a portion of the day with my mare, Filly, it is always a good day. I also found myself surrounded by inspirational people who had overcome serious horse accidents, yet come back full force, determined to ride and have horses in their lives.
Parades are my favorite all-time activity; trail riding is a close second. I am also a member of a drill team. When I first joined, I wanted to ride fast and hard in the drill so badly! I tried extremely hard to get to the point where I could do the seven-minute high speed routine. Unfortunately, what I found was that my body cannot take the physical demands that are required to ride rodeo drill. I was disappointed, but do not count it as a failure because I still ride in parades with them.
Article comments
1 - Rachael
Hello hunni. You really have touched my heart with this wonderful, inspirational, very true and heart-felt story. I am sat here with goosebumps and trying to hold back the tears. Well done hunni, we are all sooooo proud of you. It's about time people out there understood how you and the rest of us who have ill health feel and how much we need our horses in our lives. I just want to say a big THANKYOU for speaking out for yourself and for all of us who know exactly what your saying and we understand how hard it can be to look after our horses but with help and support why should we give up on our beautiful horses when they are what keep us going. We are all behind you 100%. xxxxx
2 - Robynn "Bobbie" Dinse
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, Rachael! I'm very touched that the article meant so much to you! Many blessings and good health!
3 - Marsha
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this article and know that there are people like you that have such a passion and love for God's special creatures. You are a true inspiration to all, well or not well. I think that those of us who have that passion for horses can certainly relate as to how theraputical horses can be, whether they are pasture ornaments or ridden consistently. I really think that it is a gift from God and only God.
Thank you again for sharing this story of your journey with horses and you have passed this love on to your children.
4 - Robynn "Bobbie" Dinse
Many thanks, Marsha! "There by the grace of God go I" as they say! I truly believe that God placed all these wonderful women in my path at the right moment, just when I needed them the most. There are no coincidences or "happy accidents" so to speak, everything to me is part of God's divine plan for our lives, even our troubles will turn out for good. I completely agree with you that my love of horses and the gift of unconditional love they have given me in return, is truly God's blessing and by His hand alone. I believe all good things flow from Him and thank Him for it daily! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the article! Thank you so much for your kindness! I look forward to a ride with you sometime soon!