This article was adapted from a piece originally written by CAF athlete Sara Oldenski, who shared more about her journey in adaptive equestrian sports and the impact of CAF grants on her goals.

Sara Oldenski’s love for horses began in April 2009 on a therapy pony named Charlie Brown at South 40 Farm. At that time, riding was more than a sport—it was a way to build strength and balance while learning to care for animals. With the help of her trainer, Sara practiced walking and trotting, grooming, and understanding the fundamentals of horsemanship.

After two years, a family move forced her to pause lessons. She explored gymnastics, dance, and diving, but nothing matched the feeling she had in the saddle. Those early experiences laid the foundation for her return to riding and shaped her sense of independence.

Returning to the Saddle

At age eight, Sara returned to horseback riding at Out Of Reach Farm, where a horse named Jessie helped her relearn the basics and take on new challenges like cantering and small jumps. Her trainer, Maria, recognized Sara’s natural focus and encouraged her progress.

Sara’s medical condition, however, made everyday mobility increasingly difficult. Her right foot never fully formed, and she relied on a brace to walk. She also experienced visual impairments that complicated depth perception—an additional hurdle in a sport that relies on precise timing and spatial awareness.

Choosing Amputation

By age eleven, weight gain made walking and riding painful. Sara and her family faced a difficult decision: continue struggling with braces and surgeries or choose amputation to improve her quality of life. On February 22, 2018, she underwent surgery to amputate her right foot.

The three months that followed were physically and emotionally demanding. She spent much of that time focused on one goal—getting back to the barn. When she finally returned, she climbed onto a horse without her prosthetic and immediately felt at home. That ride marked the start of a new chapter in her athletic journey.

Building Competitive Confidence

With physical therapy and consistent riding, Sara regained her strength and set her sights on competition. She began entering local horse shows, gradually increasing the complexity of her events. A year later, she made the pivotal decision to move to Durango Farms, where she could train more seriously and pursue higher-level competition.

The transition required adaptability, but Sara thrived in a structured environment that pushed her as both a rider and athlete.

CAF’s Role in Her Growth

In 2019, during a period of uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 shutdowns, Sara received a life-changing surprise: a CAF grant to lease a horse named Kevin for three months. The grant allowed her to ride more frequently and gain valuable competition experience she otherwise couldn’t have afforded.

Two years later, CAF awarded Sara another grant to lease Wizard, the horse she currently rides. With Wizard, she began entering larger horse shows, including one where she placed third out of ten riders and completed her first eight-jump course—a remarkable accomplishment given her visual impairment.

These grants gave Sara not just access to equipment and training but also the opportunity to build confidence, set ambitious goals, and see herself as a competitive athlete.

Looking Ahead

Sara’s goals continue to evolve alongside her riding. She plans to compete through high school and dreams of joining a collegiate equestrian team. She’s also determined to encourage other young riders with disabilities by sharing her story openly and showing what’s possible through persistence and community support.

CAF’s role has been instrumental throughout her journey, from therapy ponies to podium finishes. The organization’s support has enabled her to stay connected to the sport she loves and to grow as both an athlete and a role model.