#NEVERGIVEUP

Hi my name is Kimmy Earnshaw. Im 27 & a solo mum to a beautiful 4yr daughter.

In 2015 i had a freak accident that required a left ankle ligament reconstruction that took place in March 2017. 10 days after winning the pairs over 17 in Mounted Games At Horse of the year.

That ligament reconstruction gave me a year till it failed me and needed another reconstruction with a hamstring graft. This surgery took place on the 18th October 2018. Sadly when i woke from surgery it hadnt gone to plan and resulted in left Sciatic nerve damage, drop foot and no feeling below the knee and no movement in my ankle. This didnt stop me just slowed me down. Life was altered and had to wear a brace to allow me to walk so i could get on with life.

Despite my treatment injury, in Febuary i tryed for the local divison at Waikato Rodeo in the Barrel Racing and placed 7th out of 18.( only top 4 made it through), got 2nd out of 5 at the Welsh show in the ridden section and unplaced at HOY 2019 in the ridden, however my horse managed to get runner up in the Welsh Partbred Adult inhand with a friend leading her.

Near the end of March 2019 i ended up in hospital with my 1st infection in my left ankle, then in April, May and June. With a total of 4 infections and 10 surgeries fighting these infections. My June infection resulting in losing my ligaments in my left ankle. Reality sinking in that once recovered i have to wear a custom made brace for the rest of my life and if it comes to it, a below knee amputation maybe on the cards to allow me to have the best quality life. Ive accepted this and the only way forward is Onwards and Upwards.

Even despite what ive been going through, ive always made the effort to be there for others. From giving advice, lending whatever i can or just being there to listen. Ill be honest, ive not always been a positive person but through all of this ive never given up. Little did i know that i was inspiring others, i was also surprising myself with passion for riding, the drive and will to succeed.

Here is my road bump. For me to get back to the sport i love, im needing a custom made saddle with adjustments to allow me to be safe and hopefully as competive as i can be as my injuries wont defy what i plan to achieve in life. As much as i dont want to be asking for help, i just dont have the funds to get this saddle. Anyone that donates wont be let down by supporting me. If i can continue to inspire myself and others il be truely greatful.

When life gives you lemons, you can make lemonade but ill be making orange juice.

Any donations will be paid into an account strictly for the saddle. $1,500 is needed upfront to start the saddle and the rest when its ready. Ill also be saving and doing whatever i can to put in for the saddle.

My goal is to be competing at HOY 2020 in either the Welsh, Mounted Games or Para dressage

Thanks for reading and . . .

#NEVERGIVEUP