‘My mare has been my only escape from cancer’
Horsewoman and mum of two Clare Reeves is gearing up for the Wobbleberries Challenge after her cancer diagnosis
WHEN CLARE REEVES was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last April, she’d owned her 14.2hh Connie-cross-cob mare Frankie for less than a month. But by strengthening their bond and committing to the Wobbleberries Challenge (where riders attempt an 80cm British Eventing Class in memory of Hannah Francis and raise money for her charity, Willberry Wonder Pony), Clare has found a way to stay positive. “My cancer is grade 3 and aggressive. So far I’ve had eight chemotherapies, two surgeries, a double mastectomy and a reconstruction,” says Clare.
‘She’s been my counsellor and a shoulder to cry on’
“Frankie has been my only escape and I don’t know how I’d have coped without her. When we bought her, I hadn’t ridden for over 25 years. I rode as a child but never did anything serious. So when I decided to do the Wobbleberries Challenge, I knew we’d be starting from scratch. “We started doing clear round show jumping at Moreton Morrell College in Warwickshire. Now we’re looking to tackle dressage and cross-county schooling. I’ve received a lot of help from people. When I’ve been too sick to ride, trainers have offered to ride Frankie, to keep up her training. She’s come a long way and throughout it all she’s been my best friend, my counsellor and a shoulder for me to cry on. “The yard has been the only place where I’ve felt normal. Even if I go there for just an hour, it’s a place where no-one stares at my lack of hair and I can forget everything. When I’ve been in tears, just sitting with Frankie for a few hours has helped me get ready to face the next day and keep strong for my children. That’s the wonderful thing about a horse. They don’t judge you or treat you any differently. In fact, Frankie threw me off in a field a week after my first surgery! “Our final venue isn’t decided yet, but so far we’ve raised £6,000 out of our £10,000 goal. Life doesn’t have to end when chemo starts and Frankie has helped me to see that. I can’t wait to complete the challenge.”