Sharon gets back on the horse following accident

Sharon Mildren’s teenage years may be in the rear view mirror, but she remembers the liberating feeling of riding a horse as if it were yesterday.

Sharon was just 16 when a car accident left her with an acquired brain injury and physical disability. Prior to that, she was an accomplished equestrian rider and show jumper.

UnitingCare Lifestyle Support Practitioner Caroline Ryan has been supporting Sharon for over four years and said together they have worked on identifying and achieving Sharon’s goals.

“Three years ago Sharon was very quiet and didn’t speak up about what she wanted,” Ms Ryan said.

“But over time we started discussing her priorities and identifying where she wanted to be in life.

“Her love of horses became apparent, so we started to look into how we could get her riding and interacting with horses.”

Everything started falling into place when the pair connected with Riding for the Disabled and Sharon finally got back in the saddle.

“It was a heart-melting moment to see her on the horse for the first time and the smile on her face was priceless,” said Ms Ryan.

Sharon said she didn’t believe she’d ever get on a horse again, but her trust-based relationship with Caroline and UnitingCare has helped her believe anything is possible.

“I will jump again on a horse. I can do anything I hope to,” Ms Mildren said.

UnitingCare supports people with disability to achieve their goals, and tailors all support services to the individual’s needs.

As Sharon is a country girl who loves the outdoors, many of her support activities are based on the farm; exploring in a 4WD buggy, driving through creek beds and getting her hands dirty. In addition, UnitingCare supports Sharon to regularly attend church, social club, bowling and horse races.

Media contact:
Ellen McGruer 0439 765 048
media@ucareqld.com.au