Guest Blog- Interview With Mikaela Worth

Hi I am Mikaela, I’m 29, and live on the Mid North Coast of N.S.W. I have one main horse, a chestnut mare by the name of Phorcefields Rapunzel, or Rappa for short. When not riding I work full time, and outside of this I enjoy reading, listening to music, spending time with friends and things alike. I don’t really enjoy talking about myself so will see how this goes.

1) What are some of your most memorable achievements on horse back?

My most memorable achievements would be having the opportunity to ride Paralympic horse Timor Vegemite, who took his International rider to Bronze Medal at the Sydney Paralympics, riding in front of Prince Charles and Camilla with the Riding for the Disabled N.S.W. and the Mounted Police, and all the firsts I’ve had with Rappa.

2)Growing up you must have faced some challenges, and diversely can you tell us more about that?

I was born prematurely which resulted in Cerebral Palsy Hemiplegia, which effects pretty much my right side and left leg. I didn’t walk until age 5 following surgery, but in my household we had the phrases there is no such word as can’t, and that there is always a way to do something. so I guess any challenge can be overcome.

3)You grew up in the small town of Taree N.S.W. How’s that like as a kid, and now as an adult?

I actually grew up in Cranebrook Western Sydney, and moved here in 2004 to start high school. I miss friends and family there but love country life. Things have changed in that, technology has changed a lot, and businesses and some activities that I used to do don’t exist. I feel fortunate to have grown up when I did, and to be part of a great supportive community.

4)You are an employee for a company that works with disabled people in their houses. What was it like starting this job, and how have you overcome the challenges with your work? 

I am a Intake Officer for Life Without Barriers, a National not for profit organisation, that in my region primarily provides Disability Support services, Foster Care and Aged Care services. My role is primarily to promote vacancies in our Supported Independent Living Homes, and on boarding participants into the programs we offer. I have been working for LWB for nearly 10 years now in various roles, but started my involvement doing work placement through school, and then came back in as a paid employee after a few years. Any challenges I have faced have involved problem solving, if there is a will there’s a way and I am fortunate to work with a great team. When starting the job I knew the people and the role to some degree so I was lucky. If you want more information on Life Without Barriers and the services we provide please give us a call on 1800935483 or visit https://www.lwb.org.au/ you never know you may end up talking to me.

5)What would you tell the public out there wanting to have a job and ride?

Ideally find a great financial backer so you can retire and then ride as much as possible… haha no I am extremely fortunate to have the support of my local team and the wider organisation when it comes to my riding adventures. When preparing for something I organise to be able to work but also train, and take time off to go to events.

6)You’re a Grade I Para Equestrian rider. What does riding involve for you? 

For me to be able to ride I generally require the assistance of one other person to assist in catching and then with the saddling up process, and as a supervisor, just in case I loose my balance which I occasionally do on different surfaces. Rappa is than lunged or ridden by someone other than me prior to me riding. For me to ride I require at least 3 people to get me mounted, someone to hold Rappa, someone to get me and my leg over the saddle, and a third to guide my legs into stirrups, and ensure I’m sitting where I should be. The mounting process has been made easier at home through dad creating mounting steps that are taller than average so less stretching of uncooperative legs. The dismounting process requires the same three people though I get off to the ground. Depending on how my body feels i.e stiff I might spend some time stretching or riding without my stirrups before working on whatever we decide to do in that session, or I do as a relaxation before I dismount. Without my team, Rappa and I wouldn’t be able to do what I do so thank you all.

7)What are your goals over the next 4 years, both riding and in general life?

My goals really for riding are to most importantly enjoy the ride ( I think I can tend to loose sight of that) and build on my relationship with Rappa. In life I aim to have more confidence in my abilities.

8)Do you have an inspirational quote or saying?

I love quotes but my favourite would have to be “Never Give Up on your Dreams”which I have as a daily reminder in the form of a tattoo.

9)Any horse products you swear by?

My favourite horse products are Flygon and Guardian Animal Soap both helping with the summer flies and itchiness.

10)Anything quirky you would like to share with the readers about your horses?

Rappa is the best Valentine’s Day present I have bought myself to date, though she raises a few eyebrows being a complete chestnut mare she is really is the most responsive horse I’ve had, and is happy to walk around with me in comp or at home, she can be a bush princess or Dressage Diva depending on what’s needed. She has absolutely no qualms about man made stuff, but something changes in nature well that just shouldn’t change. Thank you to everyone that has been involved in my 29 year journey it’s appreciated. Feel free to see what we get get up to by following our Facebook page MWR Para Dressage.

Feature Image and Article Images courtesy of Mikaela Worth.

– Amylie May Hines Guest Blogger.