My life changed dramatically after a mustering accident in 2007. In a single moment, everything I knew about my future was rewritten. I went from a physically active, horse-focused life to navigating the world from a wheelchair. I was told I would never walk again, never ride horses again, and that continuing to work with animals was unrealistic and unsafe. More than once, I was encouraged to find new hobbies and interests that “better suited” my new reality.

​

What those conversations failed to understand was that animals weren’t just a hobby to me — they were who I was.

 

Over the years that followed, I faced additional serious medical challenges, including a traumatic brain injury in 2011, multiple life-threatening snake bites in 2014 & 2020 (5 days in ICU), and eventually severe complications affecting my lungs, heart, and circulation diagnosed in 2023. There were many moments when survival itself felt uncertain. Despite everything, I made a conscious decision not to give up on the life I love. Instead of accepting that doors were closed, I focused on learning how to build new ones.

​

When people ask me what my greatest accomplishment is, I often joke, “Still being alive and able to get out to horse events.” But behind that humour is a deep truth. Continuing to show up — to shows, to animals, to people — has taken resilience, adaptation, and a willingness to do things differently. Today, I successfully compete at over 20 agricultural and breed shows each year across South East Queensland, including Queensland Royal and State Championship shows. I do this not to prove anything, but to demonstrate that disability does not mean the end of participation, contribution, or excellence.

​

As part of this journey, I began providing horses and ponies for other people with disabilities who don’t own their own animals, giving them the opportunity to compete in mainstream horse shows. I am also working with agricultural shows who don't already offer it, to include Equestrians With Disabilities classes, ensuring that people who cannot compete in open competition still have a place where they can be included and compete.

​

From these experiences, 4 Legs & Wheels Inc. was born.

4 Legs & Wheels is a not-for-profit organisation built around people and animals, regardless of their limitations, differences, or past challenges. It exists to create opportunities — to enjoy, learn, heal, and explore what is possible through connection with animals. Everything we do is grounded in lived experience. I understand what it means to adapt, to problem-solve, and to keep going when the world tells you to stop.

​

Through animal visits, shows, demonstrations, events, expos, and community outreach, 4 Legs & Wheels connects people with animals in meaningful ways. We spend time with people in nursing homes, hospitals, community centres, schools, and rural communities, to create moments of connection, joy, calm, and understanding. Animals have a unique ability to meet people where they are, and our role is to facilitate that safely, respectfully, and inclusively.

​

Before my accident, I trained as a veterinary nurse and zookeeper, and those skills continue to guide everything I do. Since 2020, I have taken in over 180 rescued, surrendered, or displaced miniature horses and ponies. Each one receives the care, handling, training, and assessment they need. Where possible, they are rehomed into suitable, responsible homes. Others become part of the 4 Legs & Wheels team, helping people who don’t own horses experience showing, learning, and animal connection. Over time, I have also welcomed donkeys, mules, goats, and pigs — all animals who needed a second chance.

​

Responsible ownership is a core value of 4 Legs & Wheels. I regularly organise discount gelding days with veterinarians to help reduce the number of unwanted colts and stallions, addressing issues before they become welfare problems. Prevention, education, and practical support are just as important as rescue.

 

In 2024, my story and the mission of 4 Legs & Wheels inspired EuroFloat. After seeing that all I had available to transport animals was an open-top stock trailer, they imported and modified a fully wheelchair-accessible float, designed specifically to meet my needs. The float can safely transport up to seven miniature horses and has transformed the way we operate. It allows for safer, all-weather travel, improved animal welfare, and the ability to reach more communities at greater distances.

It is only thanks to a large number of people donating towards the float that we now have it in use, we thank every single person who donated or shared the fundraiser to help us get the float.

​

4 Legs & Wheels Inc. exists because I refused to believe that disability meant the end of contribution, purpose, or passion. It stands for resilience, adaptation, second chances, and inclusion — for both people and animals. My journey is proof that when one path closes, another can be built, if you are willing to find a different way.