Meet Andie Sue Roth, a para-dressage rider that has big dreams and goals. At 15 months old, Andie Sue was adopted from China and was born with a severely deformed leg and foot which led to amputation below the knee. At just 2 years old, she got her first prosthetic leg when she came to America.
Photo by Ariat
Andie started riding at 2 years old when she would ride with her mom. Andie’s love for horses grew as she participated in clinics, barrel racing, pony club rallies, trails, and more.
Andie has always been focused on her riding goals.
She began to develop a passion for dressage, and her off-the-track Thoroughbred, Blue, helped her passion grow. Some physical challenges like a re-amputation Andie faced made her stronger.
Photo by Karli Dannentry
After being out of the saddle for 6 months, Andie was determined to get back in the saddle and also used the time off to focus on other parts of her life. Andie’s main goal is to be a Paralympian. By having help and staying organized, Andie is on her way to becoming who she wants to be.
I interviewed Andie and asked her some questions.
Q: What got you into horses?
A: “My mom grew up with horses for most of her life. So when she adopted me at 15 months, she immediately put me on a horse and I loved it! I would follow her around the arena doing circles and poles. Eventually, she taught me how to jump and got me to do some Horse Trials. Two years ago I got my horse Blue. He taught me a love for the dressage sport. We are both learning the sport of dressage together.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about para dressage?
A: “I enjoy the community and sportsmanship of para dressage. I enjoy the sport of dressage because it forces me to physically and mentally push myself. I never realized how hard dressage is until I started doing it.”
Photo by Robert Houser
Q: What would you say is most difficult about being an amputee rider?
A: “This is a hard question for me to answer since I have been an amputee for as long as I can remember. I know what life is or what it could’ve been like with two limbs. I started riding as an amputee so I don’t know how it could have been riding as an able-bodied person. I do struggle with things like not being able to turn my toes out to use my spur or not being able to fully use my calf. But, I feel that everybody struggles with something and those are mine. Thankfully I don’t have to worry about my heel not being down on that side since it is permanently down (thanks to my prosthetist).”
Q: At what age did you start riding and what inspired you to compete?
A: “I started taking lessons at the age of five, but I’ve been on a horse since I was two. I have always been a super competitive person and love having a challenge. If we are going to be really honest here, I also wanted to be better than my mom at riding. Never really got to her level in jumping since I chickened out at Training level height, which is 3’3”. But, I think I’m safe to say I out dressage her, which makes her very happy. Competing has allowed me to make friends and strive for something.”
Q: What are your future goals and plans in and out of the saddle?
A: “My future goal is to be a Paralympian. My plan is to have fun and enjoy my journey. I love horses and love this sport. Outside of riding I would love to become a contract manager and help build equestrian facilities as well as being a horse trainer on the side.”
I thank Andie Sue for taking the time to answer my questions. To learn more about her story, go follow her on Instagram @andiesue_para_equestrian.
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