Horses Mean Freedom: Vicki's Story
Finding Horses During a Difficult Time
For Vicki Hoban from Wales, horses have been a constant source of support for more than three decades.
Her journey began at the age of 12 when she was introduced to riding through a social worker while living in care. What started as a childhood activity quickly became something much more significant.
Throughout her life, horses have helped her navigate trauma, disability, illness, homelessness and some of life's most difficult challenges.
"What began as an activity quickly became a lifeline."
Looking back, Vicki recognises that horses provided stability and connection at times when she needed them most.
Living With Complex Disabilities
Today, Vicki lives with multiple complex conditions including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), dystonia, autism, ADHD and chronic small vessel disease.
Participating in equestrian activities is not always straightforward. Like many disabled riders, she often needs adaptations, support and understanding to ride safely.
Despite these challenges, horses continue to play an important role in her life.
They have helped her build confidence, maintain independence and find a sense of purpose. Just as importantly, they have provided a community where she feels accepted and where she truly belongs.
"Horses Mean Freedom"
When asked what horses mean to her, Vicki's answer is immediate.
"Horses mean freedom."
For someone whose daily life is often shaped by the limitations of a complex and unpredictable body, horses offer something powerful.
As Vicki explains:
"When my body limits me, horses remind me what I can do rather than what I can't."
She describes horses as non-judgemental companions who do not care about diagnoses, mobility aids, communication differences or difficult days.
Instead, they meet people exactly where they are.
"They don't judge my disability, my mobility aids, my communication differences, or my bad days. They meet me exactly where I am."
Through horses, Vicki has learned resilience, patience, trust and courage. They have been a source of motivation, comfort and safety throughout her life.
"They have been my therapy, my motivation, my safe place, and my greatest teachers."
The Barriers Disabled Riders Still Face
While horses themselves may be inclusive, equestrian environments do not always offer the same welcome.
Throughout her riding journey, Vicki has encountered numerous physical barriers. These include inaccessible toilets, uneven ground, limited accessible parking, a lack of hoists and mounting facilities, and venues that were never designed with disabled riders in mind.
However, physical barriers are only part of the challenge.
Vicki has also experienced attitudinal barriers, often finding herself repeatedly explaining her disabilities, justifying adaptive equipment and advocating for adjustments that should already exist.
For riders with invisible disabilities, these experiences can be particularly frustrating.
"Invisible disabilities can be particularly challenging because people often don't understand the impact they have."
Turning Experience Into Advocacy
Rather than allowing these challenges to discourage her, Vicki chose to use her experiences to help create change.
Today, she is a para equestrian and disability advocate who works to raise awareness of accessibility within equestrian sport.
Her personal experiences inspired her to begin researching accessibility barriers across the equestrian industry and to campaign for meaningful improvements.
Her goal is simple: to make it easier for future generations of disabled riders to participate, belong and thrive.
Disability Is Not Inability
One message sits at the heart of Vicki's advocacy.
"Disability is not inability."
She believes that many people underestimate the effort disabled individuals invest simply to access the same opportunities others may take for granted.
Accessibility, she says, is not about giving anyone an advantage.
"Accessibility isn't about giving someone an advantage—it's about creating a level playing field."
Vicki also hopes more people will understand that not all disabilities are visible.
Someone may appear well while managing chronic pain, fatigue, neurological symptoms or cognitive challenges behind the scenes.
Greater understanding and empathy can make a significant difference to whether people feel welcomed and supported within equestrian spaces.
Looking Towards a More Inclusive Future
Vicki believes the equestrian world has the potential to be one of the most inclusive sporting communities.
After all, horses themselves do not care about labels or assumptions. They respond to trust, partnership and connection.
"The equestrian world has the power to be one of the most inclusive sports communities because horses don't care about labels."
With greater accessibility, understanding and a willingness to listen, more people could experience the life-changing benefits that horses have brought to her life.
For Vicki, horses have been a source of freedom, strength and belonging. Through her advocacy, she hopes more disabled people will have the opportunity to discover those same possibilities for themselves.
Thank You, Vicki
We would like to thank Vicki for taking the time to share her story with Beside Horses.
Stories like Vicki's help shine a light on the realities of disability, accessibility and inclusion within the horse world. They remind us that every person's journey with horses is unique, and that listening to those experiences helps create a more welcoming community for everyone.
Share Your Story
Every experience around horses is different, and every story matters.
Whether horses have supported your wellbeing, helped you build confidence, provided a sense of belonging, or simply become an important part of your life, we'd love to hear from you.
You don't need to be a writer, rider or expert. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, and anonymous submissions are always welcome.
Visit our Share Your Story page to tell us about your experience and help us create a more inclusive horse community where every voice is heard.