SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Saturday, August 12 2023 / Published in Sidelines Feature, Sidelines Spotlight, Weekly Feature

Allie Heninger: The Autoimmune Equestrian

By Britney Grover

Portraits by Melissa Anderson

Many horse-crazy individuals know that with hard work, determination and a little creativity, they can pursue their horse dreams whether or not they’ve got the money for the most expensive horses. That was eventer Allie Heninger’s plan—until her body began attacking itself.

“Some of the toughest challenges I’ve faced in my horse life have been accepting that my childhood dreams may not be possible with the body I now have,” Allie shared. “Whether it be the aspirations to become a professional rider or wanting to run a stable of my own, since my diagnosis I have been forced to come to terms with a new reality in which I cannot sustain a career with heavy physical involvement.”

With a slew of autoimmune disorders resulting in symptoms just beginning with overwhelming fatigue, muscle and joint pain, overresponse to minor injuries, poor blood flow, gastrointestinal issues and recurrent infections, 26-year-old Allie has had to rethink what it meant for her to be a “horse girl.”

“Learning the limitations of my body as I returned to riding was incredibly difficult and even emotional at times, especially after growing up as an active, athletic, energetic horse girl. I used to see myself as a gifted rider, and now I frequently experience frustration as I try to maintain a lifestyle that used to come so easily,” she shared. “Horses are the thing that helps me push through the hard days. Without a driving force, it’s too easy to slip into a victimized mindset, to live passively and allow the pain to discourage me. Knowing that I have a dependent creature out there relying on me helps me to prioritize the energy I have, rest when I need to, and look to the future. I take care of myself so I can take care of my horse.”

It All Started With a Prince

Allie was born and raised in Alaska, and her mother had always wanted horses. Allie started riding lessons at 7 and a year later, the family purchased three horses from a rural pack trail company—including Allie’s first pony, Jellybean—who was “ridiculously stubborn” and refused to canter. At 9, Allie moved to Washington to live with her grandparents for a year while her dad was deployed overseas. It was there that her relentless “dream horse” searches paid off and she found her “heart pony:” Charming Prince Patrick, an unbroken 4-year-old Bashkir Curly gelding for $750.

“I honestly think it wasn’t until I started riding Prince that I truly became a complete, full-on ‘horse girl,’” Allie said. “When we came home to Alaska, I continued with 4-H and started competing in the hunter-jumper shows, in which we had a tendency to perform pretty poorly! A 10-year-old homeschooled Alaskan horse girl jumping around on a green broke 5-year-old Curly was a unique brand of crazy. To this day, I have no idea how we survived, but despite his plethora of quirks and an unmatched moody personality, Prince took care of me.”

In addition to riding through neighbor ski trails bareback for hours each day, Allie and Prince participated in hunter-jumper lessons with trainer Beth Theisen, as well as 4-H. That’s how Allie discovered eventing. “At one of our show venues where 4-H Horse Camp was often held, there was a makeshift cross-country course set up in the woods behind the stabling barns. Letting a handful of hunter-jumper tweens loose in those woods was beautiful chaos!” Allie said. “Prince was very clearly never meant to be a hunter pony—as witnessed by my childhood bedroom full of purple and brown ribbons—and would become a completely different horse in the woods. By the time I was 13, we had been struggling to move up to 2’6” in the jumper rings, but he would happily clear 3’ logs out on the cross-country course.”

At 14, Allie moved with her family to Colorado and the first thing she did was find an eventing barn. “We did our first event together at Spring Gulch during a spring snowstorm, and I was hooked for life,” Allie said.

Within a couple of years, Allie and Prince’s eventing partnership ended when Allie hit a growth spurt and Prince “refused to grow over his sturdy little 14.3-hand height,” as she put it. But Prince had left her with two very important things. The first was a very sticky seat and a quick mind in the saddle: Allie fell off 86 times between the ages of 10 and 16, and yes, she counted. The second was a passion for horses that would serve and sustain Allie for the rest of her life. “None of my friends ever wanted to ride him, but I loved my crazy little partner, Prince, and he’s definitely what pushed me towards most—if not all—of my goals and dreams.”

Health Changes

Allie enjoyed good health and all the activity and athleticism that comes with being a horse girl through high school. After her freshman year of college, Allie returned to Alaska to work seasonally at a lodge. “The isolation would compel us to work 60-hour weeks, and with the massive turnover of guests bringing poor hygiene practices from buses and cruise ships, I got sick very frequently, a few times with some pretty nasty infections,” she recalled. “After being sick for several months straight, experiencing bouts of heavy fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fevers and nausea at least once a week, I began working toward a diagnosis with my doctor.”

In December of 2016, Allie tested positive for autoimmune antibodies. “Although the autoimmune factor is genetic and was passed down from my mother and maternal grandmother, we believe the initial response was triggered by the various infections I’d dealt with that summer,” she said. Though the realm of autoimmune diagnoses is vast, nuanced and difficult to navigate, Allie received a diagnosis of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease, “initially being explained as the early stages of an autoimmune disease that could potentially progress into a full diagnosis; in my case, most likely lupus or scleroderma.”

With her lack of a horse, funds, strength and time, Allie took a break from riding and competing for several years after her diagnosis—all the while, the pull to the barn got stronger. “Adult life without horses was incredibly difficult as I faced these health challenges, and I soon proceeded to make several attempts to push beyond my disease, wanting to prove myself wrong and not allow my body to hold me back from my dreams,” she said. “I tried becoming a working student, running a stable as a barn manager and working in the veterinary field, but each time I quickly reached a physical ultimatum in which my body very clearly rejected the lifestyle I was seeking.”

In true eventer fashion, Allie did her best to push past any physical or mental limitations to keep pursuing her high-level dreams. But some limitations are just that, and no amount of eventer grit can change them. “What I failed to realize during my repeated endeavors was that my disease and myself have become one; it’s not something I can push beyond or conquer, and it will not allow me to ignore the constraints it has put on my life,” Allie said. “Rather than fighting it, I had to learn how to not just coexist but to accept my body for what it is, and work with it to accomplish my goals, even if it may be in a different way than I had always anticipated.”

The NightMare

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Allie acquired Harriet—a 9-year-old dappled bay warmblood mare. “She is 16 hands of attitude and opinions and has managed to earn several unfortunate nicknames in our last three years together. Most notably being known as The NightMare, she has thankfully evolved a bit since our early days when she was Demon Child, Devil Spawn or Scarriet,” Allie said. “She is affectionate, expressive and extremely intelligent, but is also incredibly sensitive, and has an unfortunate tendency to explode with very little warning. Since officially starting training a year ago, she has slowly graduated to the title of The Princess—she can be very pretty and she most certainly knows it.”

Harriet was given to Allie for free, referred to as “semi-feral,” and quickly showed a penchant for getting injured nearly as accomplished as Allie’s own. “Between horse and human injuries, COVID lockdowns and managing our barn, I very rarely had the chance to ride Harriet, but we began to develop a very close relationship as we worked on her manners and groundwork,” Allie said. Then, in what Allie calls a final attempt to find Harriet a turnout buddy, Harriet limped in one day with a shattered hind splint bone. “The months that followed probably took years off my life,” Allie said. “A young, explosive mare on eight months of stall rest is something I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy.”

But Allie wasn’t in a rush. Perhaps it was her own unique struggles that gave her the patience and empathy to continue to believe in Harriet. To prevent any further setbacks, Allie took Harriet’s transition back into work slowly and methodically. “Our first lesson together was 11 months after her first fracture, and those 11 months brought us closer together than I could have thought possible,” Allie said. “I was exposed to the worst possible sides of her, and she in turn saw me at my absolute lowest. I now have a very strong understanding of her anxiety and can help her work through it when she reverts to her NightMarish ways. I like to say that we’ve been working to become each other’s emotional support animals, and we rely on each other to work through our personal challenges. Even if we both often need to progress a bit slower than normal, she is brimming with potential and I know she will do big things one day.”

Allie and Harriet began competing last year, and Allie’s goal is to compete at Preliminary level with Harriet within the next five years—she thinks Harriet could go farther, but wants to set reasonable goals for herself as a rider. Allie says that her most crucial lifeline through health trials, lifestyle changes, career pivots and horse mishaps has been her husband, Dallin. “As a non-horse person, he often struggles to see Harriet in the same light I do, especially after experiencing life on a farm with her during The Year of the Misadventures of the NightMare, but has nonetheless been supportive and encouraging through the entire journey,” she said. “When my GI issues keep me from wanting to eat, Dallin reminds me that I need to fuel my body. While Harriet is what motivates me on my hard days, Dallin is the one that helps me out of bed and hands me my breeches.”

New Horse Dreams

At home in Sandy, Utah, Allie and Dallin “are owned by four very chunky cats,” and Allie hopes to convince Dallin of their need for a dog. In addition to her work directly with horses, Allie recently launched EquiForm, “Your Equine Secretary” providing organizational forms, tests and planners specifically aimed at equestrians. She also enjoys playing the piano, and indulging her addiction to reading and writing with her blog, Autoimmune Equestrian. In 2022, Allie’s blog was runner-up in the Eventing Nation Blogger Contest. This year, Allie has been writing a series entitled “Come As You Are” for Eventing Nation, in which she highlights other equestrians with autoimmune disorders.

“My life mantra is found in a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; this is to have succeeded,’” Allie said. “I want to leave the world a bit better, and be a source of positivity and honesty. After hiding from and resisting so much of my life for many years, I now try to live openly, sharing my struggles even if I have not yet overcome them. Focusing on the negativity and the bad days only brought myself and others more sadness, but if all I am able to do is ‘laugh often and much’ despite the pain and challenges, I can bring hope to others like me. I am not the only Autoimmune Equestrian, and I want to be an advocate for invisible illnesses and help other riders who may be struggling with physical limitations to discover ways in which they can still fulfill their dreams, even if their body has other plans.”

Follow Allie on Instagram @autoimmuneequestrian

Photos by Melissa Anderson, unless noted otherwise

 

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Tagged under: 4-H, 4-H Horse Camp, Allie Heninger’s, Melissa Anderson

What you can read next

Loyal Sweet Briar Community Fights to Save College
Brittni Raflowitz Emerges as a Professional Rider
Siblings Keri & Kris Kampsen: High Goals and Overcoming Injury as a Close Family

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
HELLO OCTOBER!!! Kicking off the month with Intern HELLO OCTOBER!!! Kicking off the month with International-level dressage rider Amelia Newcomb. Who is committed to making dressage accessible to anyone who wants to learn and improve in the sport. With a mantra of “Dressage for All,” Amelia, her husband, Germán Schneider, and the rest of her team at Amelia Newcomb Dressage believe that anyone and everyone can learn to love their ride. 
With over 100,000 YouTube subscribers around the globe, Amelia is able to share her joy and 
enthusiasm for the sport with more equestrians than she ever dreamed of through her online training 
platform. Amelia’s curriculum breaks riding down into a simple, proven system that anyone can follow 
and get results, regardless of age, discipline or location.“My goal is to make good dressage training accessible to everyone who is interested in learning. One way I do that is by producing quality videos to educate and encourage dressage students along their dressage journey,” Amelia said. “The transformations that my students get are insane and my business is changing the entire sport of dressage and the way people learn to ride.”
While Amelia is a talented USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist today, she knows the struggles 
associated with trying to make your way in the sport without abundant educational resources. “I grew up in Colorado, where there weren’t that many dressage resources available. I was so hungry for knowledge, I would go to big shows just to watch the big-named trainers work,” Amelia said. “That’s why, when given the opportunity to share what I’ve learned along the way, I decided to go for it and start my YouTube channel.” 
➡️Catch the full story at the link in our bio!! 
⬇️For more information, visit amelianewcombdressage.com and on Instagram 
amelicanewcombdressage

📸Photos by Lindsey Long, lindseylong.com
#Sidelines #sidelines2023 #sidelinesmagazine #magazine #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Sho The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Show is happening now! Don’t miss another second by streaming it live! 🐴

📹👀HOW TO VIEW THE LIVE STREAM
The WPCSA will again be streaming footage live from the ring at the American National Show next week. You will need two free passes to get to the feed this year.

1️⃣�The first is a USEF fan membership which you can get through this site:
Join or Renew | US Equestrian (usef.org)

2️⃣ Once you become a fan member, you will need to log in to the USEF Network on ClipMyHorse. A video demonstrating how to do this can be found here:
Existing USEF Fan - Watch the USEF Network - YouTube 

📸Pictured- Grand Champion Section B under UK judge. 
Owner-Barbara Chappell
Handler-Paul Maye /Maye Show Ponies Fairfield, VA
A note from our editor. It's here!! The October is A note from our editor.
It's here!! The October issue of Sidelines Magazine! So happy to have the fabulous Amelia Newcomb  on our cover. Amelia is a dressage rider with over 100,000 students! You read that right! Amelia has a very popular YouTube Channel where riders from around the word can learn and improve on their dressage - and it's not just dressage riders who are benefitting from Amelia Newcombe Dressage on Your Tube but riders of all disciplines - don't miss her story! Thanks to Sidelines photographer Lindsey Long for the beautiful photos. This issue has so many great stories! Catch up with eventer Zachary Brandt Equestrian (make sure to see how much he loves his dogs), and meet show jumper Katherine Anne Brewer and her horse Super Bunny, artist Samantha Dawn, equestrian Megan Smith who teaches Pilates 4 Equestrians; and Ela Ladwig a dressage rider and trainer who's multi talented because she's also a talented artist also. We have an amazing story on hunter-jumper rider Lisa Mooney who has a story you don't want to miss!! We also have a story on Tyler Held who's passion for eventing has taken her on quite the journey, and we catch up with Jimmy Toon in our Unbridled column. This issue also features our Save The Date section where you can check out show dates for this year and next from horse shows around the country! So get out your calendar!! And don't miss our great columnists, hunter-jumper with Rob R.L. Jacobs, eventing with Liz Halliday Eventing and sports psychology with Margie Sugarman. And check out the photos of riders at the 2023 The Hampton Classic Horse Show also! It's another great issue! Make sure to subscribe to Sidelines also - one year for $14.95 and the magazine is delivered right to your house or barn!! 
Enjoy the October issue: https://sidelinesmagazine.com/app/#/reader/50029/1767167

Link in Bio!!!
Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capita Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capital Challenge Horse Show has officially begun! 

Not able to attend the 2023 Capital Challenge Horse Show? 🏆 No problem! Watch all 11 days of competition for free with the live stream, sponsored by C. Jarvis Insurance Agency Inc., on capitalchallenge.org or usefnetwork.com. 🎥
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Holsteiner Stallion - Lieutenant Kije
    Lieutenant Kije (Laurinn x Carolus I x Rocadero) 17'h North American Studbook Approved Holsteiner Proven Hunter & Jumper Offspring thru Derby's & Grand Prix. USEF #45986 Fresh Cooled & Frozen LFG $1200 Frozen Straws $350 per dose www.Phoenixequestriancenter.com

    [Read more]

  • PHILLIS M. MANIGLIA, PA, REALTOR
    Broker Associate Partnership Realty, Inc Loxahatchee Groves Farms Homes & Land 561-460-8257 realtorphillis@gmail.com www.phillismaniglia.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • October 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Zayna Rizvi: Horses from Family to Finals

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller &...
  • Samantha Wolfram: Finding Success in America and Overseas

    By Juliana Chapman Portraits by Kirsten Hannah ...
  • Cedar Potts-Warner: At Liberty and Beyond

    Story and Portraits by Jennifer DeMaro   P...
  • Jordan Melfi: Turning a Secret Horse Life Into a Career

    By Veronica Green-Gott Portraits by Shelly Cart...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!