My Ability Is Stronger Than My Disability: Margaret’s Story
Every story shared through Beside Horses helps show the many different ways horses can shape lives, confidence, wellbeing, and belonging. For Margaret, who is based in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, horses have been part of life since early childhood.
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Her connection with them began when she was just four years old, and by the age of six, she had started riding.
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Growing Up Around Horses
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Margaret describes horses as a steady and powerful presence throughout her childhood. Growing up in a care home, time with horses gave her something deeply important: a sense of stability, freedom, and independence.
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“Growing up, horses gave me stability, confidence, exercise, freedom and independence away from the care home I was brought up in.”
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For Margaret, horses were not simply a hobby or activity. They became a source of strength, movement, and emotional grounding.
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Confidence, Freedom and Independence
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Horses helped Margaret build confidence from a young age. Riding and being around them gave her space to feel capable, independent, and free.
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That sense of freedom has stayed with her throughout her life.
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When asked what horses mean to her, Margaret’s answer is simple:
“Everything.”
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It is a word that says a great deal. For some people, horses are sport, companionship, therapy, purpose, or community. For Margaret, they have been all of these things and more.
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Facing Barriers in Equestrian Spaces
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Margaret is honest that equestrian spaces, like many sporting environments, can come with challenges. Some barriers are small, while others are much greater. But rather than allowing these challenges to define her, Margaret has used them as motivation.
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“Being in the equestrian industry has inspired me to show what I can do despite my disability.”ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
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Her experience has pushed her both physically and mentally. It has helped her grow as a person, while also inspiring her to support others wherever she can.
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Strength Beyond Disability
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For Margaret, one of the most important messages she wants to share is that ability should not be underestimated.
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She wants more people to understand that progress does not always look the same for everyone, and that every step forward matters.
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“No achievement is too small. Embrace different. My ability is stronger than my disability.”
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This message sits at the heart of Margaret’s story. Her experience reminds us that horses can offer more than riding alone. They can create confidence, belonging, resilience, and a powerful sense of self.
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Why Stories Like Margaret’s Matter
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Margaret’s story shows the importance of making equestrian spaces more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. It also reminds us that disability does not reduce ambition, strength, or connection.
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Through horses, Margaret found stability, confidence, freedom, and independence. Through sharing her story, she offers encouragement to others who may be navigating their own challenges.
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Her words are a reminder worth carrying forward:
“My ability is stronger than my disability.”