Listen to Barn Banter episode 23 now to hear about Sydney and Heather’s journey with Beyond Expectations.
Title Sponsor of Barn Banter: Adequan
Big thanks to our sponsor, Adequan! For over 30 years, Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) has been trusted by veterinarians, trainers and horse owners. Ask your veterinarian if Adequan® is right for your horse. Visit Adequan.com to learn more. Adequan®. Start with it. Stay with it®.
Sydney Collier and Heather Wallace, co-authors of Beyond Expectations
Shortly after Sydney Collier began riding at age seven, she was diagnosed with the rare Wyburn-Mason Syndrome, a life-threatening condition that causes arteries and veins to grow together, causing arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain. Years of experimental treatment and a resulting massive stroke took a toll on her body, but she never relinquished the dream of returning to the saddle and the sport that she loved.
Her belief and perseverance earned her a spot on the U.S. Para Dressage Team at age 16, and Sydney was the youngest competitor at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France. At age 18, she won the 2016 U.S. Para Dressage National Championships and became the youngest equestrian member in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Paralympics as a part of Team USA, placing seventh overall in her division. In addition to her Paralympic goals, Sydney has dedicated her life to service and maintains a busy schedule that includes athletic training, equestrian training, guest speaking, volunteering, babysitting, and giving riding demonstrations at a variety of events.
She graduated DeVry University on an Olympic scholarship, majoring in communications and is currently working to finish her MBA, specializing in marketing, thanks to a scholarship from the United States Olympic Committee. Sydney has been awarded the FEI Against All Odds Award, USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year, and The Captain Andrew B. De Szinay Memorial Sportsman Trophy. She was featured in the 2022 feature documentary ParaGold, directed by Ron Davis, which follows the lives of four Paralympic equestrian hopefuls as they vie for a spot on the U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team. Sydney is based in Wellington, Florida, where she is working to earn a place on the next team and help the USA stand on the medal podium.
Heather Wallace is the award-winning author of the books Confessions of a Timid Rider, Adulting with Horses, and Girl Forward: A Tale of One Woman’s Unlikely Adventure in Mongolia. In addition, she publishes a popular blog called The Timid Rider and co-hosts the podcast Adulting with Horses. By day, Heather is a certified equine and canine sports massage therapist dedicated to helping animals holistically. She lives in New Jersey with her family, dogs, and horses.
Both ladies will be at Equine Affaire Massachusetts Nov. 7-10 to sign copies of Beyond Expectations. Don’t miss meeting them if you’re at this event!
◆ Purchase a copy of Beyond Expectations from Trafalgar Square Books
◆ Sydney’s website
◆ Heather Wallace’s blog, The Timid Rider
◆ Follow Sydney on Instagram (@sydsparaquest)
◆ Follow Heather on Instagram (@timidrider)
A Lot of Heat, Adoptable Horse of the Month
A Lot of Heat is a striking 6-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with a heart of gold and a promising future ahead. Having been responsibly retired and deemed sound, Heat is now embarking on a new chapter of his life filled with love, care, and endless possibilities. Learn more about A Lot of Heat here.
In addition to Barn Banter episode 23, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts.
