I started riding at the age of 7 and instantly fell in love. A wonderful school horse named May who taught me the basics and introduced me to competitive riding. Shortly after I began riding, a routine vision screening changed my life in ways I could not have imagined. Within weeks I was diagnosed with the rare Wyburn-Mason Syndrome, a life threatening condition that causes arteries and veins to grow together causing vascular malformations (AVMs) inside my brain. Because of their location, deep in my brain, my AVMs could not be easily removed. The rarity of Wyburn-Mason Syndrome meant few options were available for treatment 

The AVMs quickly began affecting my vision and the control of my left side. I was at an extremely high risk for dangerous hemorrhage. With a lack of treatment options near my home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I traveled to Stanford University Medical Center in California for expermental medical treatment. Over the course of eight years I endured a series of experimental treatments including CyberKnife radiation, blood vessel embolization and brain surgery. During a risky brain surgery in 2009, I suffered a devastating and massive stroke. Despite this setback, I entered a rehabilitation center and was determined to get out of my wheelchair and return to the sport of riding.  

My new level of disability did not stop me from believing I would return to the sport I loved. Most said I needed to accept that my dreams of becoming a Three Day Eventer were now out of reach. I refused to believe them - regardless of my condition all I could think about was once again sitting on the back of a horse. I needed to get back and fulfill my goals no matter who said I was reaching for the impossible. Just one year after my stroke, in 2010, I attended the World Equestrian Games as a spectator. Ironically, this was the first year Para-Dressage riders were included in competition. One of the first Para-Equestrians I met was Jonathan Wentz. I remember seeing him ride at WEG, and I walked up to him and said, “I think I need to know you!” I was so glad I did. Jonathan, who was one of our country’s most accomplished riders, became one of my mentors. 

Jonathan shared with me how important it was to pave the way for Para-Equestrians because the sport was emerging and growing. Seeing the Para-equestrians that day, literally changed my life forever. I realized just how wrong forgetting my goal of riding at the High Performance level for our country. Sure, I had all these crazy orthopedic devices strapped to me, I walked differently than most, I looked different - heck, I used my teeth now as my second hand, but I was a horse fanatic with the desire to succeed! Watching those riders made me feel like I was capable of far more than the medical professionals indicated. I knew I had to become one of these riders -and nothing was going to stand in my way! 

In 2012, my family and I made a difficult decision in furtherence of my goals . This decision required me to leave my family and friends in Ann Arbor to train with Wes Dunham in Millbrook, NY. My family came together in ways that might seem impossible to others to help my dreams come true. My Grandparents sold their home in North Carolina and moved to Michigan to help care for my two younger brothers so my Mom could live with me in NY while I trained and competed. Ever since my family and I made this commitment, I have worked tirelessly with my team and sponsors to achieve incredible success.

At age 16, I earned a spot on the US Para Dressage team and was the youngest competitor at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France. At age 18, I won the 2016 US Para-dressage National Championships and became the youngest member in the equestrian portion of the 2016 Paralympics in Rio as a part of Team USA. I placed 7th overall in the highly competitive para-dressage grade 1B. I have dedicated my life to service and I maintain a busy schedule combining athletic, equestrian training, guest speaking, volunteering, babysitting, and giving riding demonstrations at a variety of events. College is also a big part of my life. I am attending DeVry University on an Olympic Scholarship, majoring in communication. Alongside these activities, I continue training to earn a place on 2020 Tokoyo Para-dressage Team and help the USA stand on the medal podium.