Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Susi Rogers-Hartley
"I want to inspire people especially those with disabilities, to find a way to do things and never stop trying."
When a terrible accident put Susi Rogers-Hartley in a wheelchair, she knew she had to fight on to achieve her dreams.
Susi continues to work hard to pursue a career with horses and teach others how to reach their long term goals
Para dressage rider and show jumper Susi Rogers-Hartley, competes regularly and gives weekly demonstrations nationwide encouraging more disabled people to get into the saddle and take up riding.
Susi, who lives on the outskirts of Kings Lynn, had an accident 19 years ago while serving in the Royal Navy but this has never stopped her from pursuing her dreams. Having ridden all her life, Susi refused to let the accident prevent her from continuing with her passion for horses, training and competing.
She currently competes on her 16.3hh Belgian warmblood Summer and prior to that her Olympic-shortlisted horse Seamus, who has been semi-retired after injuring his pelvis.
Previously a top level showjumper, 12-year-old Summer now competes at dressage as well as show jumping, and is also the horse Susi uses for demonstrations.
Both Summer and Seamus divide their time between the field and being stabled, spending roughly half the day in and the other half happily grazing.
Susi prefers to feed her horses hay, but was aware that even after the hay had been soaked her horses still coughed while she was also allergic to the dust and pollen which caused her discomfort.
Wanting to find a solution to the on-going soaking problems Susi decided to find out more about Haygain Hay Steamers and has never looked back.
After using Haygain steamed hay from the HG-600, the horses stopped coughing and much to her relief Susi's allergies also improved. The horses are fed steamed hay using the HG600 both on the yard at home and when Susi travels to competitions.
Wanting to put something back into the equestrian community, Susi gives regular demonstrations and displays at shows and events around the country, some she is invited to, but often she organises them on her own. Her aim is to motivate riders to achieve what they might think is impossible.
Said Susi: "If I can encourage one person to pick up the reins then I am happy.
"I feel very fortunate that I have my own horses and compete, and have cracked on and been successful. If you want to do something, do it.
"I want to inspire people especially those with disabilities, to find a way to do things and never stop trying."
Susi and Summer's partnership began two years ago and is proving to be very strong with a fantastic bond.
She tacks up, loads and mounts Summer on her own and uses voice commands and rein vibrations to train and handle her, even managing flying changes with much success.
Adds Susi: "Summer loads herself into the horsebox on her own and will stand still for me to mount from my wheelchair which rises to the right height so I am able to mount and dismount her without requiring any help or assistance."
For further information please contact Haygain® hay steamers on 0333 200 5233 or visit www.haygain.com