1.Jody you have been on the Canadian paralympic dressage teams for London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 How did you decide you wanted to declare for the 2024 Paris Olympics?
Yes,it’s actually my third Paralympics My last Paralympic horse is still doing well, but he’s now 20. He deserves to retire from competition, and enjoy life as a horse.
I think you have a new horse now. What can you tell us about him What is his breeding and how old is he ? How long have you been riding him? Does he have any funny quirks of personality
I bought a new brilliant, exciting horse last March that Clive Milkins helped me pick out to buy. The first time I rode him, I knew he was the right horse for me
He is the main reason why I decided to declare. I also bought him so that I could go to the Paralympics.
He is my new super star! My past super stars are teaching him his job!
My new horse is a spotted Dutch Appaloosa Warmblood cross with a Dutch Warmblood. He is 14 years old.
He has a definite personality! He travels really well!’ He gets along with my other horses. He’s a definite “alpha mare” gelding! He’s the new horse, but he’s in complete control!
He’s very sensitive and very easy to ride mostly with your weight.
He’s very motivated by food, and he always wants food!
I know you told me about how you became disabled but in case there are readers who have not seen my first interview could you tell us how you became disabled?.
3). I initially was injured after I finished University. I was going to University of British Columbia. My friend and I drove down the coast to San Diego. We left the car there, and flew to visit a friend in Costa Rica. After a very exciting trip there we went on an equally exciting trip back to my car. We picked up the jeep and were driving through the desert in a wind storm to Las Vegas. The wind picked up my jeep and flipped it down the road 4 times. Unfortunately my friend hit her head, and passed away immediately. I was in a coma for 3 months, and post traumatic amnesia for 6 months.
I went through a lot of rehabilitation therapy. This included horseback riding!
In my original interview you said that you saw having a disability as a plus. Do you still see it that way?
I don’t really see myself as disabled. I’m happy with what I have done with my life! If I didn’t have my injury, I wouldn’t be competing in the Paralympics.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Jody , I wish you all the best going toward the Paris Olympics.
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