Paralympic Goals for Shannon Duffy

Shannon Duffy is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hi everyone! Shannon Duffy here…just finally getting my story written down in hopes of reaching out to anyone for support. Every little connection helps tremendously, and any dollar amount donated would mean the world to me.

I am part of a pretty epic group of people: para-athletes. I was born with a “congenital upper limb deficiency”, or as my dad says “a lucky fin”. I grew up with an unbound love for horses. Not sure where it came from since I was never around them until my late teens, however, my drive to work with horses has been relentless since I can remember. Time spent in the saddle truly first began when Trish, my best friend who had 5 horses by the age of 17, invited me to come ride. Attending local rodeos and barrel races were our past-time. After high school, I found myself at Florida International University, coming across their IHSA Equestrian Team, and ending up as the President for my senior year. This catapulted my riding experience by ten-fold, under the training of Daniela Roy at the International Equestrian Center (IEC). Through Daniela and her mother, Romy Tschudi, I had countless opportunities, including training in Germany with Fritz Pape, and teaching young riders at IEC.

After realizing my dreams to compete in Dressage, I transitioned from the Equitation/Hunter world to the Dressage world with a big thank you to Kati Dagge at Dagge Dressage at Zen Elite Equestrian Center. With Kati's "can do" attitude and unwavering support to guide her students, I have been able to build a support system back home in Florida.

This all was not without the support of my incredible parents, and the multiple jobs I held to pay for these experiences. I have worked as a public servant ever since I could join the workforce, including my current role serving the community of Boulder County, CO. After college, I found my first horse, Daysie, and our story of 7 years together is one that I could not be more thankful for. She recently passed away in November of 2021, and I have since been missing my best friend. It is in her honor and my promise to her that I fuel my drive to continue this dream.

So what is that dream/goal/next step?? The main dream is to join the U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team. The goal is to network with other para-athletes and accomplished riders the same, and to find my next dance partner (a horse with an FEI future). The next step? Fundraise. I am also open to the opportunity to have a horse sponsored, though I know that isn't an everyday opportunity. Please feel free to contact me through this page or via Instagram @idreamofdaysie. The breakdown of this GoFundMe should be transparent to you all. $60k is to go towards the cost of finding and purchasing this dream horse. The other $40k would go towards my riding prosthesis (an everyday one will cost me around $6500 WITH insurance & a sport-specific one can cost up to $10k to make), training, competitions, travel to compete, and vet care, and anything remaining (if any) would go to a property to begin the endeavor or an equine business and non-profit.

In my free time, I have been networking within the Denver-metro area (with a big thank you to Rabbit Mountain Equestrian Center and CH Equine), and building a website to share with you my skills and contact information. I hope to have a facility of my own one day, a safe haven for horses and riders to come as their true self and aspire to reach their dreams.

Thank you for reading through, and please feel free to message me with any questions you may have! If you have donated to this massive dream of mine...bless you. My goals are big, but can be achievable with your support!