“not focus on the negative, as that only led to riding with frustration or anger. Focusing on the good parts of a ride, where things felt smooth and like we were moving with a nice pace, helped me to ride with happiness. Everything flowed better once I changed my mindset.”
― Sydney Collier: Beyond Expectations
Today I bring you another Book Club entry! This new book is called Beyond Expectations by Sydney Collier.
You can get your copy directly here at Trafalgar Square books!
First off, WOW.
My first impressions of this book in just the first few pages had me hooked. Sydney writes with a contagious enthusiasm. I have never met her but I feel energized by her through text. Is that weird? I don’t care. I feel pulled into Sydney’s world and want to go with her through her Journey (pun intended, iykyk). I found myself leaning into this book and hearing her voice as I read.
What struck me immediately is how our lives seem so similar at the beginning. Our pull toward our four-legged companions large and small is something many of us horse-people share. Her description of horses becoming a steady undercurrent in her life…yup…perfect description!
I read horse books, I had model horses, I watched (still do) horse movies, and I played horse games (I still have Lucinda Green’s equestrian challenge, and I am a lifetime member of Star Stable though I haven’t logged in for over a decade, and I used to play a game called Howrse…most recently I stopped playing a Rival Stars horse racing game…and that only scratches the surface). I didn’t have a horse but I always found the pony rides, the mechanical rides, and would visit the horses in a field near my house growing up.
I also relate to her mom, I had to work hard to do chores and earn rides at our local barn growing up. I got started riding a little later in life and by then my parents were divorced so lessons weren’t an option (I had a few but keeping me enrolled in a program never stuck with my mom). So I worked. How I wish I knew what eventing was back then! Sydney got into eventing as a very young girl, wow!
“I found my passion early in life. I was utterly obsessed the four-legged animals. “Ridable” bouncy horses were a favorite toy of mine. I never wanted the Bratz doll or the Barbie; I enjoyed Breyer model horses. Whenever my mother went grocery shopping I begged to ride on the motorized horse outside the storefront. I was on a pony ride whenever the opportunity struck. Horses became a steady undercurrent in my life.”
― Sydney Collier: Beyond Expectations
In the second grade, Sydney was diagnosed with Wybern Mason syndrome… making her possibly the only individual of her age to be diagnosed. There were only 100 cases ever reported at the time and a majority were infants after death. Wybern Mason is associated with arteriovenous malformations, or AVMs. The AVMs are high blood-flow tangles of blood vessels that create a high risk of bleeding and stroke.
My goodness I want to give her whole family the biggest hug. Her parents astound me in all of the best ways. They sought help around the country and went wherever they needed to go. In addition, they didn’t stop Syd from being a kid. I think that a vast majority of parents would have shut down and halted their child from all risky activity. Sydney got to continue being a kid.
In many ways, I wonder if this is one of the reasons why the world is still blessed with her here. Because she continued to do what she loved through it all, she was given something to fight for.
As I read page after page my jaw would occasionally drop or I’d have to pause to reread a section out loud to Zac. Off the top of my head learning about her yearlong migraines, being in so much pain that heavy narcotics every hour still couldn’t help, suffering withdrawals at only TEN YEARS OLD. Having a “first” (implying MORE) stroke at only 11 years old.
I was shattered.
“After pressure from my parents the company approved the frame of the wheelchair, but it was required that my mom appeal every single nut and bolt to build the wheelchair so that it would be functional for me. The episode as a stark reminder that advocating for equipment and care when you have unique needs can be a full-time job.”
― Sydney Collier: Beyond Expectations
The book continues to describe Sydney’s discovery of para dressage. She found her calling thanks to a late friend Jonathon Wentz who was competing at the 2010 World Equestrian Games at the time. Jonathon suffered from cerebral palsy and passed in October 2012, just months after representing the United States in the 2012 Paralympics. Syndey’s path crossed Jonathon’s serendipitously and she made it her mission to continue his vision.
Syndey is transparent and honest in this book. Her emotions are completely understandable…and relatable. While I can’t fathom enduring what she has I understand loneliness…frustration….depression….and many more. I am enamored by her attitude and resiliency…and her extroverted character!
Sydney describes her experiences as she traveled the world making her dreams come true. Normandy in 2014 for World Equestrian Games. Azerbaijan the same year to receive the Against All Odds award, and finally the 2016 Paralympics in Rio, Brazil. She also got to hug Michelle Obama not once but on two separate occasions.
Final Word:
I can’t say enough about Beyond Expectations by Sydney Collier. It’s a great read with plenty of ups and downs. It will make you cry and it’ll make you laugh out loud. She’s a resilient woman with a heart of gold. It’s clear she has a loving and supportive (yet not suffocating) family. This was an incredible read and it made me want to know more.
Unfortunately, I had trouble finding a lot of current material (post Covid) about Sydney on social media…whether that was intentional or my bad searching I’m unsure. Her website does not have much current information, either. I did learn that she spoke to my GMO ENYDCTA years ago and boy do I wish I was involved with them back then!
Whatever the reason for the quiet I do hope she is thriving. I have so much respect for this young woman and am thankful she shared her story with all of us.
“It was a breath of fresh air to be treated the same as other riders regardless of my physical limitations. Individuals with disabilities aren’t porcelain dolls who have to play it safe all the time.”
― Sydney Collier: Beyond Expectations
I also want to add that I buy most of my horse books from Trafalgar Square Books. I’m excited to say that I am an affiliate with the publisher, and so proud to be. Trafalgar Square embodies the spirit of horse people…. they ARE horse people. The operation is based in an old barn in Vermont and run by only a few people…people you can talk to and meet in person at events. It’s not a big corporate conglomerate, and for that I am grateful. This happens to be one of such books. You can find your copy through my affiliate link here, it’ll let TSB know I sent you!
Beyond Expectations by Sydney Collier with Heather Wallace
Published by Trafalgar Square books, North Pomfret, VT
If you have any questions, comments, or would like further information, please contact:
contact@trafalgarbooks.com / (802) 356 6706
The Green Horseman 
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