Overcoming Obstacles: Don't Sell Your Saddle
IN THIS EPISODE
Spreading Hope & Inspiration
Overcoming challenges is something we all have to face in life. We can let those obstacles limit our growth and level of success or we can seek ways to overcome them and live the life to the fullest.
All three of our guests have faced very different health situations with grit and determination. Their stories will inspire and encourage you to meet your circumstances head on and do what it takes rise victorious.
If you are feeling discouraged and are low on hope—this episode is for you!
Samantha Smith:
Daughter of Lance and Terry Griffin, Samantha grew up in Calgary, AB, Canada. Before discovering reining, she and her parents were successful in the team penning arena. After riding her first reiner, she was hooked and has since reached the highest levels of success in the Non Pro reining world.
From a distance, it may have looked easy, but her road has been filled with debilitating back and neck pain, numerous surgeries, and the determination to overcome. She would ultimately face the frightening question: Will I ever ride again?
Alexis Mann:
Being different from birth comes with certain challenges. Being born into a horse family where hard work and learning to answer these challenges head on was the bedrock of Alexis’ upbringing. Amniotic band syndrome was the cause of Alexis being born without a left hand. Her parents made sure it was never an excuse to not be able to do something. It also gives her a different definition of challenging.
Learning to ride a reiner successfully? She’s no different than anyone else: lessons, persistence, and finding the right horse. Learning to put her hair in a ponytail…well that’s sometimes the bigger challenge.
Sheley Brien:
Sheley was bit by the horse bug at a young age. The problem was she wasn’t from a horse family. Through trial and error they brought Sheley into the horse world with lessons and horses that may not have been ideal. But getting bucked off more than she stayed on taught her valuable lessons that would help her when the world went dark.
One morning, at the age of 24, she woke up with no sight in her left eye. There was no warning and there would be no cure. Facing her new life, she had a choice to make: be a victim of her circumstances or be a victor from her circumstances. You can guess which choice she made.
THE INTERVIEW
YOUR REINERSTOP TV HOSTS
SHELEY BRIEN
ReinerStop Founder, boutique reining breeder, 2020 Non Pro top 20 Competitor, Mom, Wife, Sales Professional
CHELSEA DYGERT SUTTON
ReinerStop partner, CEO of ConsultMent Marketing Agency, NRHA Announcer