By Lucy Waldron
To get back on that horse is not to give up. Katy Driver embodies the spirit of resilience and determination.
Despite enduring life-altering injuries, including a horse riding accident in 2007 that left her in a wheelchair and subsequent brain injury in 2011, Katy refused to let her circumstances define her.
Instead, she embraced a new perspective from her wheelchair, championing the belief that limitations shouldn’t hinder one’s passion for horses and life.
Fuelled by her own experiences and a desire to challenge the notion of “we can’t,” Katy founded 4 Legs and Wheels, an initiative aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities to pursue their love for horses in innovative ways.
Through 4 Legs and Wheels, Katy endeavours to spread a message of hope and possibility, proving that with determination and creativity, anything is achievable.
“The big thing I’m trying to do is to find a way where people can continue to do what they love, just in a different form,” Katy said.
“Life’s never going to be what it used to be, but we can get out and have some fun with a horse.”
The core philosophy of 4 Legs and Wheels revolves around inclusivity, offering people and animals, regardless of limitations or differences, the opportunity to engage, learn, and explore together.
Katy and her team travel to Agriculture Shows, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres, demonstrating that disability is no barrier to experiencing the joy and fulfilment of interacting with horses.
“We compete in the main ring against all the abled-bodied, and to show people in similar situations that you can do more than just touch a horse is a great feeling,” Katy said.
In its inaugural year, 4 Legs and Wheels has already made a profound impact, reaching individuals across Australia and inspiring countless others with Katy’s unwavering determination.
Katy envisions expanding the initiative’s reach, particularly in hospitals, where she hopes to inspire and encourage those facing similar challenges.
For Katy, getting back on the horse after her life-altering accident wasn’t just an act of courage—it became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Through her journey, Katy breaks barriers and serves as a beacon of hope, proving that life’s challenges can be overcome, and new horizons await those who refuse to give up.
