Our Featured Adult for April is Rebecca Dingwell

As a freelance writer and editor, Rebecca took the reins and shares her thoughts on horses, riders, and being a Lancer! We have the pleasure of reading how the combination has benefited her life and celebrate Autism Awareness Month"!

“I started horseback riding as a kid, probably around age 8, attending March break riding camps and that sort of thing. I took to more regular riding as a teen but took a break partway through high school, as I was feeling a lot of pressure!

In 2017, I attended a Lancers open house and realized how much I missed being around horses. Shortly thereafter, I asked to be put on a waitlist and I became a Lancer that fall! I’ve been here ever since, barring a couple of health-related hiatuses. I love all the horses here, of course, but Bella, Scooby and Eddie are especially close to my heart. Eddie recently showed me some extra affection: leaning into me as a scratched his ears. He was previously a bit “head shy” with me, so that felt quite special. (I think maybe he could tell it was my birthday?)

At the risk of sounding trite, I’ve certainly felt the healing power of horses. I’ve had my fair share of mental health struggles and as an autistic person, I sometimes feel isolated and alone. There is just something so validating about a horse responding well to me while riding, or even just having one perk up when I walk by a stall. I love animals in general but the sensitive and intuitive nature of horses is unique! I hope to do more work in the therapeutic riding program in the future so I can help others experience this feeling as well.”

At Lancers, we never forget how fortunate we are to have kind-hearted individuals such as Rebecca who make our community. Thank you, Rebecca! Here’s to many more years in the saddle and enjoying all the gifts that horses share!