Heather Wallace

An Extraordinary Equestrian Journey from Deadly Diagnosis to the Paralympic Games by Sydney Collier and Heather Wallace Wow. I guess I’ve been pretty quiet on the blog over here. Sometimes I joke that I thrive in chaos. Perhaps, the busier I am the less I have to face the problems in my life. Of course, you probably won’t identify with that- wink wink. I’ve been working on a HUGE project behind the scenes and it’s finally coming to completion. My first traditionally-published book is now available for sale and I couldn’t be more proud! By Sydney Collier with Heather Wallace Shortly after Sydney Collier began riding at age seven, she was diagnosed with the rare Wyburn-Mason Syndrome, a life-threatening condition that causes arteries and veins to grow together causing vascular malformations (AVMs) in the brain. Years of experimental treatment and a resulting massive stroke took a toll on her body, but she never relinquished the dream of returning to the saddle and the sport that she loved. Her belief and perseverance earned her a spot on the US Para Dressage Team at age 16, and Sydney was the youngest competitor at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France. At age 18, she won the 2016 US Para Dressage National Championships and became the youngest member in the 2016 Equestrian Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro as a part of Team USA, placing seventh overall in her division. In addition to her Paralympic goals, Sydney has dedicated her life to service and maintains a busy schedule that includes athletic training, equestrian training, guest speaking, volunteering, babysitting, and giving riding demonstrations at a variety of events. She graduated DeVry University on an Olympic scholarship, majoring in communications and is currently working to finish her MBA, specializing in marketing, thanks to a scholarship from the United States Olympic Committee. Sydney has been awarded the FEI Against All Odds Award, USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year, and The Captain Andrew B. De Szinay Memorial Sportsman Trophy. She was featured in the 2022 feature documentaryParaGold, directed by Ron Davis, which follows the lives of four Paralympic equestrian hopefuls as they vie for a spot on the US Paralympic Dressage Team. Sydney is based in Wellington, Florida, where she is working to earn a place on the next team and help the USA stand on the medal podium. Buy now. How I Wrote a Paralympic Memoir Many people ask me about this project. I say it started back in October of 2019 at Equitana USA in Kentucky. I was in attendance to moderate a panel on Authenticity in Social Media. While there I saw a lot of friends, and while spending time with Connie and Allison from Redingote Equestrian– met one of their then, sponsored riders, Sydney Collier. Now, Syd is a force of nature. Sweet, charming and can talk the ear off a politician- she is the very epitome of a good soul. I didn’t know much about her except that she was wearing Paralympic gear and riding in around in a cool scooter with her service dog, Logan. She loved that I wrote Confessions of a Timid Rider and wanted to read it- the first book she’d read in 8 years due to blindness in one eye. Later, she went on to become the keynote speaker at the event. After reading the book she reached out on Instagram and told me how she loved it and it made her want to use the adaptive technology to start reading again. I can’t describe the sheer emotion that I felt that my personal story of struggle and inspiration had made any impact on someone who had clearly overcome so many things in life. But it wasn’t until Equine Affaire, Massachusetts after Covid that we met in person again. She came to the Taborton Equine Books booth where I was signing books to say hello. We practically closed down the store due to excessive chatting and well, her wheelchair blocking the entrance. That is the moment our book was born. She told me how much she loved my narrative-style writing and wanted me to her HER STORY. What??? Obviously I said no. I mean, hello imposter syndrome. I’ve never ghost written before. It was completely out of my wheelhouse. Syd wouldn’t let me and I’ll tell you, she is extremely convincing. So, I told her to pitch it to Trafalgar Square Books because I knew just how important her story would be and they would be the best way to spread the message. By February we had a book contract and we were off writing. Because Sydney Collier had five strokes and lived with Wyburn-Mason Syndrome, an incredibly rare disorder that reduces blood flow in the brain, I thought it best to record our interviews. We had so much fun over the next year and a half: Syd sharing her story and laughing and crying along with her. I’ve never had a bigger challenge when it came to writing. How do I capture her sweetness and energy? More, how could I ever do justice for her voice so that she can motivate others in the saddle and out? It felt impossible but I pushed through. I’m so incredibly proud of us both. Now, Beyond Expectations is released and I know this will make a difference in people’s lives. This is not a story about dressage or the Paralympics. This is the journey of a woman who lives every day to the fullest because it might be her last. A woman who lives without fear, without regret and focuses on how she can help others do the same. Syd has become a dear friend to me and I cherish being a part of her story in my small way. Read her story and tell me- are you motivated to reach for the stars? The post Beyond Expectations first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]

Yes!  For me, being a timid rider is a personality trait. I’m careful, I’m overthinking, and prefer to take the slow, steady approach.  My daughter was different. When she started riding at age 6, she was extremely timid. Unlike other children, she knew she could get hurt and was wary. Her first canter was an accident (like many others) and she panicked, resulting in her first fall.  For a time, she needed to rebuild her confidence.  She spoke up for her needs with her trainer, who agreed to go at her pace. She was supported and never made to feel “less than” because she was worried.  Over the years, I’ve watched her blossom and grow as a rider. Her trainer and others at the barn would remark how “soft” and “quiet but firm” she was. I couldn’t be more proud.  She sat me down after her second season of IEA and said she wanted to ride and show more. As a horse girl myself, I was ecstatic. As a parent who has to pay for it- less than ideal. But if my husband and I could give her the opportunity I never had growing up? Priceless.  Now, she’s riding a pony with a lot of forward momentum and little brakes. She’s laughing and happy when she makes an error, and learns from it. She’s ridden bucks, green ponies, and large horses with canters that bounce her out of the seat.  And while larger horses may intimidate her temporarily, she always swings a leg over. She’s no longer timid or unsure.  So yes, a timid rider can be converted if they are set up for success. If the trainer lets them work through things without being made to feel as if they were lacking in skill, and if given the opportunity to blossom. Still, some of us may always be timid, and that’s okay.  Everyone has their own journey- the most important thing is that we have fun. The post Can A Timid Rider Be Converted?  first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]

On this special episode of Adulting with Horses, Natalie and I want to highlight some friends of ours with amazing small, women-owned businesses! Even better, they have each offered a special promotional discount, between 15-25% depending on the brand, for our listeners. We are joined in person by several of these wonderful brands so listen in to hear about them in their own words! Below is a list of our participants and what they are offering. For each website site, enter promo code AWH23 to get big savings this November 24-December 1st (or use their site wide sale!). Don’t wait, you won’t find savings like this anywhere else!  Ride IQ The Ride iQ mobile app coaches you in real-time. Choose from hundreds of on-demand audio lessons to improve your position, try new exercises, and start seeing progress. Ready to roll through Dec 1. All new members will receive 30% off their first payment for any membership type. Sign up at Ride-iQ.com  or go directly to the sign-up page, account.Ride-iQ.com. Monthly ($29.99/mo), quarterly ($79.99/qtr) and annual ($299.99/yr) memberships are all fair game for the promo, but you receive the biggest savings for the annual at $90 off! Here is a step-by-step sign-up guide for listeners to navigate the membership site.   Veltri Sport Created by a fashion industry veteran and equestrian daughter, Veltri backpacks, belts, and accessories offer the synergy of fashion and function for both men and women through responsibly made, versatile, high-end products for the active lifestyle. Get your discount at www.veltrisport.com.  Botori BOTORI is on a mission to design comfortable and practical performance riding apparel that equestrians want to wear all day, every day. All riding tights, breeches, and BOTORI designed tops are proudly made in the USA. Use your promo code at www.botori.life.  Dapplebay  My mission is to infuse your life with a little extra horse girl magic. The designs you’ll find here are the result of countless hours listening to customers like you and refining my products to meet the highest standards of quality and aesthetics. Explore Dapplebay and discover the perfect matchy set that brings you confidence in the ring, or find the perfect gift for your barn bestie. Get your discount at www.dapplebay.com.  Zero Proof Horse Treats/ Barn Dog Bites Zero Proof Horse Treats are an alcohol free horse snack that mimics the flavors of your favorite cocktails.  Your horses will love them!  Save the liquor for your own glass.  Your horse can continue to blame their crazy antics on the wind, random plastic bags, or whatever else sets them off on a given day.  They just can’t blame it on the alcohol.  Zero Proof Horse Treats and Barn Dog Bites are made with distillers grains from local Kentucky distilleries and a limited number of other ingredients, all which you can pronounce, so you can feel good feeding to your horses, donkeys, or other livestock.  Use your discount code at www.zeroproofhorsetreats.com.  Mare Modern Goods is a destination for modern equestrian design and gifts for horse lovers. Our products feature original artwork and patterns with bold, bright colors and are inspired by horses and riders in the equestrian community. Use our discount code at www.maregoods.com.  Bonus Blast: No promo code needed for these amazing site wide discounts from our friends.  Redingote is a small business with a big mission: to help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable in every season of your life. They believe in functional, stylish, and flattering outerwear that truly works. More, they believe in the power of design to solve problems, and are dedicated to creating technical, innovative pieces that can be worn in different ways and layered easily. They source the finest materials to create thoughtful performance apparel — so whether you’re working at the barn or going to a horse show, Redingote makes sure that you’re always protected from the elements in style! Get your site wide discount at www.redingoteequestrian.com. FITS is dedicated to the art and science of riding apparel. Known for its PerforMAX™ leather technology, FITS riding wear is the first and only choice for thousands of equestrian athletes. FITS patented products are the result of an intense pursuit of giving the wearer an enduring advantage and comfortable fit. They constantly research the physics of riding; the spectrum of technical materials; and the newest sewing techniques, seeking the characteristics that matter most—high performance, outstanding comfort, and flattering fit. Get your site wide discount (no promo code needed) at www.fitsriding.com.  Trafalgar Square Books, and its online bookstore HorseandRiderBooks.com, is a small business based on a farm in rural Vermont. We published our first horse book, Centered Riding by Sally Swift, in 1985, and since then have continued to strive to produce high-quality equestrian books and videos “for the good of the horse.” Use our discount code today at https://www.horseandriderbooks.com/ And don’t forget to check out our websites www.timidrider.com and www.nataliekellerreinert.com for discounts off our ebooks! The post Black Friday Blast: SMALL Business Give BIG Discounts first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]

I got on a horse that wasn’t mine today. It was a client’s horse that I had known and worked on for years. We had a little more time than expected so she asked, “Do you want to get on?” Now, I divide horses into two categories: ones that I would ride, and ones that I would never ride. Simple. This horse was one that I’ve always liked. So I figured, “Why not?” I donned her helmet and hopped on to do a little walk/trot around the arena. It felt great. As a timid rider that might seem strange, but I grew up catch riding and being assigned random horses at my show barn so I have learned to read a horse quickly and use a fresh slate every time. Something about a new horse without any previous history of falls or misbehavior, help me a lot. This was something that became abundantly clear while I was in Iceland this past August. Four days of riding on different terrains, on four different horses can test anyone. Sadly, I only rode three of the four days due to weather conditions. But each horse I was assigned was wonderful in their own way. The trick was that I had to adjust to them. I’m nothing if not an adjustable rider, one thing I am quite proud to admit. On the first day in Iceland we rode in the Geyser area, which is flat and rocky, alongside a river. It was stunning. I was assigned a cute little mare with a lot of personality. Her name was Gáta meaning “riddle”. I definitely was tested in the first part of the ride, alongside the highway which we had to cross. She kept playing with her bit and so I had to make some adjustments to see which way to hold the reins that was most comfortable for her. She was incredible and while I only walked her, I loved her playfulness! She was sweet and sensible. Of course, I thought it was a shorter ride so by the time I dismounted I could barely move my hips and my knee and ankle were completely locked up. Awkward. The second day was by far my favorite horse, Teitur “Cheerful” was a big gray potato. We were going to ride to a waterfall so I took the back position to film with my GoPro. The guides chose him for me because he hated other horses. Seriously! Every time a horse came near he would bite or kick. And I mean, KICK. I walked him around the arena to get to know how sensitive he was and the first thing he did was start pawing the ground. Uh oh, I knew what was coming. So when he went to buckle and roll I had my feet out of the stirrups to bail but was able to squeeze his belly and get him back up, laughing like a loon. He reminded me of Picasso at Watchung Stables who was known for doing that to everyone. After that little test, he had a perfect ride over a bridge and to the waterfall. The only mishap we had was when the guide stopped to close a gate and bolted up behind us. Teitur decided he was going to kick him so I had to block him a few times with my leg. He was a challenge, but nothing I couldn’t handle. He made me laugh because he was clearly not “cheerful” at all. Plus, he had the most comfortable tölt. I could have ridden him all day. The third day we were supposed to ride the Black Sand beaches by Vik but the wind and waves were too dangerous. The last day we rode up to a volcano. It hadn’t erupted in almost a decade (insert panic here) so I was assured it was safe. I’m nervous with heights so this was the most anxious I had felt through the trip. I was assigned a cute little gelding named Sjnall “clever” who was known for carrying children on the trails. He reminded me so much of Ferrous because he didn’t want to walk straight, he kept bulging. I couldn’t just drop my hands and let him go, I had to ride him straight with my body the entire time. Still, he was cute as a button and took good care of me. When we reached the top of the trail where it flattened it began to sleet, so I was a ball of anxiety when we had to go downhill. This little guy tested each footfall before placing his weight. Where on the uphill I had to ride him, on the downhill I had to trust him, giving him his reins and leaning back to stay out of his way. It was a true test of trust. When we got back to the flat I was sweating with adrenaline and was excited to tölt the path home. Funnily, I thought he had a terribly uncomfortable gait but found out later that he was actually doing the flying pace! While he felt very heavy to hold back, we were in the back of the group and I was exhilarated rather than scared! So yes, when my client asked me to ride her horse after I adjusted his saddle and padding, I gladly agreed. I love riding different horses and learning how to adapt myself to them. Communication and connection is something that I have been working hard on. I cannot wait to return to Iceland next year and ride different horses at the same barns to really get a feel for the individual gaits and personalities! Anyone want to come with me? Click here to register (only a few spots available). The post Riding Different Horses Gives Me Confidence first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]

I’ve worked with a lot of horse owners over the years in my bodywork business. Something I learned very quickly was that riding is the priority for only some of them. In reality, most people who own horses give less priority to saddling up than they do every day care, grooming, and horsemanship.  So why the focus on riding we see everywhere on social media?  There is nothing like the feeling of being on a horse, connected physically and mentally to make you feel alive. My husband is an extreme sports buff and loves the adrenaline rush of mountain biking, snowboarding and surfing. It might be an easy shift for him to love riding and the adrenaline he could get from the speed and the risk. And yet despite several attempts at riding on the trails and less, in the ring, it’s “not my thing”. Why?  Because for him, he has trouble connecting with the horse. He’ll ask for them to move over and the communication gets crossed and he ends up arguing with his mount then getting frustrated. For him, a bike, board or surfboard clearly understand the task and he finds it easier to just do what he wants.  Alternately, riding horses is a team effort. I think most can agree to that. In order to be a good teammate, you need to set your ego at the door and listen as much as ask. More, if you ask incorrectly, we have to take ownership that we as the rider are at fault.  If riding is the epitome of partnership, we cannot forget the small things that create that bond and improve our connection. Grooming time with no expectation. Seeking time together in the paddock and enjoying the feeling of the sun on your back and the wind blowing your hair together. Playing games.  If working with horses is a relationship, then it is one that must be nurtured. Riding is only one single, facet of that, not the entirety. So take your horse for a walk in the woods today, on the ground. Play a game of chase with them or hide and go seek. Teach them a trick. Even better, sit and do nothing with them. They’ll appreciate it. More, you will too.   The post It’s Not All About Riding first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]

I’m a returning adult equestrian. I grew up riding, but decided to stop for a number of reasons. The latter was the final straw. I was a horse-obsessed child and for me to feel nothing but a pit in my stomach just before riding. Well- that wasn’t what I wanted in life. I stopped riding to focus on getting into college, going to school, starting a career in New York City, then getting married and starting a family of my own. When Is It Time to Start Riding Again? I dreamed of horses, waking in the morning, with the feeling of galloping through the woods on horseback and feeling the exhilaration. I found myself at a barn on vacation in Ireland, where I enthusiastically rode the countryside with my guide, jumping downed trees and galloping fields. It was truly a bliss that I had missed for many years, even when I was taking lessons. Still, it would be almost 10 years before I found myself back in a lesson barn. The dreams never stopped. After having my eldest daughter, I was lonely for adult company, living with postpartum depression, and drinking too much wine to feel numb for a while. I asked my husband if I could start something for myself. That was horses. Once a week, I snuck away to enjoy some time to myself and found that the smell comforted me, soothed by the gentle nickers and sounds of chewing. For the first time in almost two decades, I felt at peace. I felt I truly was home. Horses helped to heal me. I found friends that had something in common- a passion for horses and stopped hiding from my emotions. In truth, I had to step away to grow up and realize that it wasn’t horses that I left, but that particular situation. I learned how to find what made me happy and feel comfortable leaving when it wasn’t the right fit to help me grow. Now, horses have become integral to my life. They are my favorite way to relax, and helping them has become my career. I can imagine my life without them, but I don’t want to anymore. Now, I envision my future with them even if that means I don’t ride from time to time. Taking a break can sometimes be healthy mentally and physically. I found my way back. I never regret stopping riding but I had to for me to find out who I am as a person and what I want in my life. Horses have a way of encompassing every facet of your lifestyle. It’s truly an obsession for many of us. But when it stops being fun, or relaxing, or what fulfills you, there is nothing wrong with taking a step back or fully away. Sometimes you have to let things go to determine what is truly important. The post When Is It Time To Stop Riding? Part Two: The Rider first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]

I always dreamed of having my own horse. I was an adult when I achieved that reality and knew from the beginning that any animal I had would be part of my forever family. No matter what. My experience as an equine bodyworker gave me certain advantages when I found out my little guy, Ferrous, had EPM previously and lived with anhidrosis (no sweat). I was able to work with colleagues in veterinary health to discuss supplements, boosting his immune system, and ways to reduce inflammation naturally. Then he was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease from tick bites and more recently, Cushing’s or PPID. The hits seemed to keep coming. We struggle with keeping his immune system healthy, reducing vaccinations to those that are mandatory and spacing them out. Worming him only after we check him annually for a fecal egg count, and slowly transitioning him to a forage-based diet. For the most part, while we have highs and lows, he’s a happy and playful gelding. Ferrous would be happy living his life at 15 years old as a paddock pet. The truth is, I struggle whether I should retire him or not. He get regular time off especially during the summer when temperatures are too warm for him. What I’ve noticed is that he is stiffer and loses muscle tone incredibly fast during those lulls in our program. When he is back in a low-key fitness program, something that inspired my book Body Conditioning for the Horse and Rider, he is noticeably more relaxed, less stiff, and more playful. Exercise = Happy, Healthier Ferrous. No one but you, your horse, and your veterinary team can determine when it’s time to retire. Every situation is different. If I looked on paper, I would probably retire my pony. Instead, seeing how he thrives in regular work, I focus instead on giving him the best foundation I possibly can so that despite his illnesses and neurological status, he’s as comfortable as he can be. I’m keeping a keen eye on his situation. The second he needs to retire, he will. We’re not there yet, thankfully. But when he does, he’ll still be part of my family. The post When Is It Time to Stop Riding? Part One: The Horse first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]

When I was a teen there was a lot of pressure to fit in. Standing out made people a target. There was safety in following the crowd. I’ll be honest, that didn’t last long. I’ve always felt that being normal was a tad boring. Being myself meant embracing all the things that made me different and special. As I became an adult I gained more confidence to do my own thing, even if it didn’t fit the status quo. The post I’m An Outsider In An Insider Sport first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]

Just kidding, horse husbands are the best! But we do want to keep them happy. After all, they can either make our hobbies possible or interfere. Are you the type of equestrian that yearns to share horses with your partner? I’m not. I think it is great to have a hobby to share. However, I am a pretty independent person and crave my alone time. For me, my self care involves going to the barn and grooming, spending time in the paddock, or riding. I don’t really want to do that with my husband. In fact, I’m happy to never do that with my husband. He drives me crazy. I love him but I’m not the type of person that wants to be with my partner all the time. I love having something for myself. He is into different outdoor sports and hobbies, and it works for us. While it does mean that we have to coordinate our free time on the weekends, and generally both want to be outside in good weather, we tend to go in opposite directions. Horse husbands, or partners in general, tend to fall in three categories: Of course, there can be variations of these categories. My husband is in the latter headspace but has been known to jump on a horse while on vacation a time or two. Definitely not his favorite way to spend his time and he may show up to the barn once a year to support his children at a horse show. That works for us. Eventually, he may like it more when we have horses on the property but here is my trick to keeping him happy. Are you ready? I don’t talk about horses constantly… anymore. Plus, I pay for everything related to horses myself so it helps that he doesn’t have to pay for my expensive hobby. Okay, confession time- I used to drive him crazy talking about them. But now I have you all to share my stories with either here on the blog or in the Adulting with Horses podcast. See, you’ve saved my marriage! I have some friends who are the opposite and have recruited their husbands or wives into our world. I think it’s wonderful! The trick is to do what makes you both happy. If they aren’t interested in horses, keep the stories to a minimum and don’t expect them to sit at the barn and watch you groom or ride for hours. If your partner is interested, take lessons together and let things progress naturally. Or, in a unicorn scenario- perhaps you are both already equestrians and fell in love over horses? Every relationship is different! Do you want to listen to Natalie and I talk with America’s Favorite Horse Husband, Glenn the Geek from Horses in the Morning? Listen to Episode 8 of the Adulting with Horses podcast for a real laugh. The post Keeping Your Horse Husband Happy- and other Impossible Tasks first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]

When your horse behaves badly under saddle, what do you assume is the reason? Is it better to push on and assume they are just being spicy or to take a step back and look for signs of pain? I know what I prefer. The post Is My Horse Spicy or Uncomfortable? first appeared on Heather Wallace.... [Read more]