‘It gave me a whole new mindset’
Horses were the driving force behind former soldier Debbie O’Connell being able to transition from injured military to civilian
Debbie O’Connell joined the army in 2014 and started training with the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, shortly afterwards. During a routine training session, one of the horses threw her off, breaking her collarbone and damaging nerves in her shoulder and spine. The accident left her in constant pain and limited use in her left arm. The King’s Troop organised for her to attend the HorseBack UK course, which she completed last year. “Just being there is so relaxing and the biggest thing for me is that I feel I can be myself. There is no expectation on me to be something or someone I’m not,” explains Debbie. “We are encouraged so much; it’s like a family. “HorseBack UK gives you a totally different mindset towards horses. You learn to work with them and that they are a good mirror of your emotions. If you can be kind to the horse, then you can be kind to yourself. “HorseBack UK has given me the reassurance that I always have somewhere I can go and people I can speak to who are like-minded. They helped me make the transition from military to civilian without feeling like I’d been kicked out. “Before I went into the army I was a funeral director, which I’ve gone back into since being discharged, thanks to the support of HorseBack UK. “There’s something special that happens here and it’s difficult to describe, but it’s a comfort that’s irreplaceable and can’t be recreated. It’s such a special place.”