Video Gallery: Get Inspired by These Para-Equestrians’ Stories

Every equestrian — no matter the discipline, level of competition or breed of horse they ride — has a story. We’re taking a look at four inspiring videos about para-equestrians, just a week ahead of the Paralympic Games.

I’ll be the first to admit that despite the fact that I have a pretty amazing horse life, with plenty of space to ride and drive and the support of a great family to help keep my horses happy and healthy, I do get jaded, I do forget to count my blessings, and I do start taking days for granted. And I’m willing to bet that there are others out there reading this right now that probably feel the same way sometimes — no matter how many times we tell ourselves we’re lucky and blessed, it’s also easy to get caught up in the general busy-ness of the day, the downward slump of self-pity and harried rushing from chore to chore.

The Paralympics start next week on September 7, and para-equestrians get the chance to compete in dressage. We’ve curated a few videos into this gallery for you to watch: We hope they inspire you, ignite your passion to follow their stories as they head to Rio, and remind you to truly never take this life for granted.

Canada’s Ashley Gowanlock:

Great Britain’s Para-Dressage Team

USA’s Para-Dressage Team:

Australia’s Chelsea Higgins: (Chelsea is preparing for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo)

Go para-equestrian. Go riding.