Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: Sue Ellen Lovett

Every Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Today, we’re recognizing Australian paralympian Sue Ellen Lovett.

Sue Ellen Lovett’s biggest claim to fame is her paralympic career, in which she has competed in two Parlympics as well as numerous international and national competitions. While vision impaired, Lovett has turned her attention towards competing against able-bodied riders as well as coaching — plus raising awareness and funds for causes that hit closer to home.

As a cancer survivor who also lost her father to cancer, Lovett is currently riding 800 kilometers across central-west New South Wales, Australia to raise funds for cancer treatment and research at The Integrated Wellness Center. She’s already completed nine long-distance rides to raise funds and awareness for various causes close to her heart, including Guide Dogs NSW, the Sydney Paralympic Committee and the Children’s Cancer Unit.

Along with Lovett, mounted on an Australian Stock Horse and accompanied by her guide dog, her riding companions are mounted on horses doing good work of their own: retired Australian racehorses, who are receiving the ultimate retraining experience before transitioning into second careers.

We can’t think of a better way to spotlight two causes in one ride!

To learn more about Lovett’s ride and get updates from along the route, follow her adventures at The Challenge – Ride Against Cancer on Facebook.

Go Lovett! And go riding.

If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.