Horses Gave Me Freedom, Friendship and Purpose - Millie Boo's Story
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Every experience around horses is different, and for Millie Boo, horses have become far more than a hobby. They have shaped her confidence, her education, her volunteering, and her sense of belonging.
Millie Boo was born prematurely and has cerebral palsy and bi-lateral hearing loss. Her journey with horses began in childhood, when riding was recommended as a form of physical therapy.
“So off we went to my local Riding for the Disabled,” Millie Boo says. “I loved it.”
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Finding Confidence Through Riding
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What began as therapy soon became something much bigger. As Millie Boo’s confidence and skills grew, she was introduced to dressage.
Horses offered her movement, independence and challenge, but also joy, connection and purpose.
In 2023, Millie Boo was offered the opportunity to have George on full-time loan. It was a turning point.
“That has been amazing,” she says. “I’ve learnt so much and we’ve been out competing in British Dressage Para competitions.”
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Life with George
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George has become a hugely important part of Millie Boo’s life.
Through caring for him, training with him and competing together, she has continued to grow as both a rider and horsewoman.
“I get the privilege of looking after George,” she says.
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Volunteering and Giving Back
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Millie Boo’s connection with horses extends beyond her own riding.
She also volunteers at her local Riding for the Disabled Association group, where she gets to see first-hand the difference horses and ponies can make in people’s lives.
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“I also get to witness the joy that horses and ponies bring to people through my volunteer work. That’s so special.”
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Millie Boo is now on the coaching pathway and, in 2025, she began a degree in Equine Business Management.
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“So to say horses have become my world is no understatement.”
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Barriers, Representation and Belonging
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Like many disabled riders, Millie Boo has also experienced barriers.
When the first RDA group she attended had to close, finding other coaches meant a lot of travelling. She credits her parents for their unwavering support.
“I’m lucky that my parents are so supportive and did anything and everything to allow me to ride.”
Social media has brought its own challenges and opportunities. Millie Boo has noticed that there still is not enough representation of disabled riders in equestrian spaces, and that lack of visibility matters.
“Which is why I post,” she says.
For Millie Boo, representation is not just about being seen. It is about helping others recognise that disabled riders are already part of the equestrian community — and that they belong there.
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Horse Riding Is Adaptive
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“Horse riding is adaptive,” Millie Boo says. “There are lots of disabled riders in the equestrian community and we belong there. The more visible we are, the more participation there can be.”
Millie Boo is clear that Riding for the Disabled does amazing work, and that progress is happening.
But she also hopes more people will understand that equestrian spaces can and should be more inclusive.
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Freedom, Friendship and Purpose
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For Millie Boo, horses mean everything.
- They have given her freedom.
- They have given her friendship.
- They have given her purpose.
- Through George, volunteering, coaching and studying, Millie Boo is helping to show that disabled riders do not sit outside the horse world.
- They are part of it.
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Share Your Story with Beside Horses
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Millie Boo’s story is one of many experiences that deserve to be heard.
At Beside Horses, we share honest stories about disability, wellbeing, confidence, accessibility, connection and belonging through horses.
You do not need to be a professional writer, rider or expert to take part. Your experience matters exactly as it is.
Whether horses have supported your mental health, helped you feel understood, given you confidence, created friendship, or simply become part of your life, we would love to hear from you.
You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, and anonymous submissions are always welcome.
By sharing your story, you could help someone else feel less alone, more understood, and more welcome in the horse community.
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