“I find Debbie one amazing individual! After receiving my B.S degree in Equestrian Science in 1988, I began my professional career as a coach, trainer, and instructor. My main focus has been teaching riders. I met Debbie last year at a horse show in Tulsa Oklahoma. When I saw her riding Noir, I saw a woman with great courage and passion for the equestrian field.
I then began a journey of my own. In my equestrian profession, I had never come across a rider with blindness disability. Not only does Debbie have courage, she has a mount, Cornet Noir, that was selected by Kai Handt. Noir knows to proceed with caution. He has patience, as if he knows how to help Debbie overcome her disability. Debbie and I spend hours on what the horse is communicating to her. This is done by feel not sight.
When I put a blindfold on with a pin hole of sight and rode Noir, I found the challenge much harder than expected. For example: Where is the horse’s head? Is the horse round? A circle is a much bigger challenge than expected! Is my circle is round? And the feeling of wanting to know where you are in the arena. In addition, there are other factors that come into play when riding a performance horse.
Although there are several challenges to overcome, I find Debbie has shown great courage to work through her challenges. I feel honored to be a small part of her journey.”
— Nicole Wilkinson, Head Instructor, North Texas Equestrian Center
