Hello, my name is Jennifer. I was born a paraplegic; never having use of my legs or able to even stand. My parents taught me to follow my dreams, no matter how insurmountable they may be. Their blessing gave me confidence to do just that. After watching the 1984 Summer Olympics, I turned around and said to them “I’m gonna compete there someday.” The Paralympics did exist but the sport options were limited. Equestrian sports didn’t exist until the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. I was already passionate about horses at age 6, started riding my parents’ friend’s horse at age 4. But I still wanted to be an athlete. I liked to go fast, so I chose to start wheelchair racing, along with other field events. With my dad as my coach, I was a natural and by age 8, I had travelled the US, competing in track and field. In 1985, I won the annual Memphis in May Wheelchair Games, and in ‘86 I went on to win overall female junior athlete at the National wheelchair games in PA. I was 8 years old. When we moved from East AR to NW AR in ‘88, I decided to combine my passion for sports and horses. I started taking riding lessons and discovered the ballet of the discipline called Dressage. I got my first horse at age 14 and she was everything a girl could ask for in her first horse. I bought my second horse while attending the University of Arkansas, studying Equine Science. With him and help from mentors and friends, I learned about training and behavior through Natural Horsemanship. But lack of diversity in local horse shows and several major surgeries sidelined me for almost a decade. But 30 years after I started, I have finally found my heart horse, La Ostentosa, or Tessa as we fondly call her. I now have the horse with all the potential to take me to the highest levels of ParaEquestrian Sports.  I also have a support system from my trainer, fellow horse people who have become great friends that want to see me finally realize my dream to make the 2028 US Paralympic Team and compete in Los Angeles. But with trying to break into the competitive ParaEquestrian higher levels, comes a hefty price financially. As I start to compete, I hope to gain sponsors. As of now, I don’t have much to show other than purpose, determination, and a partner in Tessa that are a formula for success. I do need a little help with getting the right saddle, ready to be customized with the help of the dedicated representative from Voltaire Design. Also, to attend my first major Classification event, there will be travel, boarding, and other expenses for my team. So for the first time I’ve created this fundraising campaign to help me buy a saddle that fits both my body and will provide Tessa the close contact to respond to my subtle movements while providing her comfort to show her athletic abilities. Since things have changed and evolved, I have updated my biography from when I first started this fundraiser. I am almost to the halfway point of what I am asking to help get us started. The saddle plus my first major event will cost quite a bit more than I’m asking. But knowing that I won’t be burdening my parents, who have already given me so much to chase my dreams throughout my life, would be a blessing in itself. And if anyone is interested in sponsoring me, I’d be happy to share more, as I do not have much to show with my new horse…yet.January is my Birthday month, and this update falls on my Birthday. So this is my biggest wish. Thank you to those who have been generous enough to give what they could. I plan to pay it forward by helping others with similar disabilities that may feel stuck in a world of elite able bodied riders to know that with hard work and a dream, they too can reach for the stars. Also, attached is the link to the Voltaire saddle design company. The saddle is called Adelaide. Many thanks to those who have already helped in so many ways. ✨