Back on Track Ambassador Stephanie Schwagler is lucky to be alive. She's reminded of that fact every time she sits in the saddle. These days, that saddle looks a little different from the one she started her riding career in.
After growing up show jumping, Stephanie discovered a new passion for barrel racing when a special horse entered her life. Although the transition seemed overwhelming initially, she quickly realized that her background gave her a unique advantage.
Keep reading to discover how a helmet saved Stephanie's life and why she left show jumping for barrel racing.
A Life-Changing Accident
Stephanie can't remember a time she wasn't around horses. Her mother was an eventer, and she grew up playing on horseback until she was 12, when she almost gave up riding after her first bad fall.
The fall resulted in a back injury and a fear that took years to overcome. Despite that fear, she never stopped loving horses.
"It scared me, and it took me a long time to get back into it. I would spend entire lessons on the mounting block just talking about getting on the horse. One day, I finally did. I haven't looked back since."
Stephanie's determination was instrumental in getting back in the saddle again in 2017 when she severely injured her neck in a riding accident. She was riding on a loose rein when her horse started bucking, eventually throwing her underneath him and stepping on her head.
"I jumped up at first and immediately fell back down. That's when we knew it was serious. But the only reason I went to the hospital was because I wanted to get cleared to ride at a show the next day."
When the nurse asked Stephanie if she was wearing a helmet, the doctor told her she would have died if she hadn't.
While she still has chronic issues from the accident, she doesn't let them slow her down.
"I have seizures. I have chronic migraines. But it reminds me I'm alive. Not everybody walks away from accidents like that. My body is healing slowly but surely. And my body overcame my fear to get back in the saddle. The fact I could overcome that is amazing to me."
Transitioning From English to Western
The love for her horses that helped her overcome both accidents also led Stephanie to try new things with them. While her first horse loved jumping, she realized she'd have to get creative when a challenging new horse entered her life.
"When I got my horse, Remi, he didn't want to do anything. So I decided to try everything until one day, we tried barrels. While I loved jumping, his passion was for barrels."
Stephanie realized her true passion was discovering what her horses excelled at and bringing out the best in them, no matter what that was.
"Whatever the horse loves, I'm going to love. Whether it's jumping the meters or running around three barrels, everything is fun when the horse loves their job."
The transition from English to Western riding was challenging at first. Neither Stephanie nor Remi knew what they were doing. But Stephanie was determined to figure it out for her horse.
"I had no clue how to put a Western saddle on. I spent a lot of time reading books and going to clinics. I put the work in, and we took our time. We're in year three now and won our first buckle last year. I love that horse, and I wouldn't have been as successful if I didn't have his trust."
What's Stephanie's advice for other riders considering transitioning from English to Western disciplines?
"Do not leave the English knowledge. You're still using a lot of the same basics. It's just the tack that changes."
Dressage training is one of Stephanie's secrets to success. She uses dressage to help her barrel horses learn how to use their body and recommends Western riders take dressage lessons to learn how to control theirs.
"We get so hung up on equipment and speed. But sometimes you just need a dressage lesson. My horse is fast. He knows how to turn a barrel. Dressage helps our transition to speed and his awareness of his body around the barrels."
Helmet Use in Western Disciplines
Helmet use is much more widespread in English disciplines than in Western ones. However, when Stephanie crossed over, she took her helmet with her. Today, she hopes her story and example can help encourage more Western riders to wear helmets for every ride.
"Most people aren't wearing helmets. It's very unfortunate. I see young kids stop wearing helmets because they're being made fun of. You should never be made fun of for putting your safety first."
After a helmet saved her life, Stephanie never goes without one. She tries to be a good role model for younger riders and goes out of her way to compliment kids wearing them.
"I think helmets are cool. I would be dead if I hadn't been wearing one. That doesn't show that I'm scared. That shows that I'm smart. I want little kids to feel cool in helmets."
It's up to successful riders to make helmets more popular. While some well-known barrel racers are starting to wear helmets in races, others only wear helmets at home.
"You aren't any better of a rider. You aren't any less of a rider. Helmets are there to protect you. And personally, I love the look of helmets."
Partnering With Back on Track
Stephanie was first introduced to Back on Track nearly a decade ago. Since then, she's relied on Back on Track products to help her recover from her accident, perform at her best, and prepare her horses for competition.
"Back on Track has been there since day one. I see a big difference with their products, and there is evidence behind everything."
Welltex technology has helped Stephanie manage her chronic neck and back pain. Her favorite products include the Back on Track Mini Blanket and P4G Jacket.
"Being able to support circulation with Back on Track helps me stay comfortable without medication. It has absolutely helped my recovery."
The Back on Track Quick Wraps are her favorite horse product. She uses them to manage swelling and prepare before and recover after runs.
"One of my horses always had swollen legs. No matter what I did. Using the Quick Wraps 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after work made a huge difference."
What's Next for Stephanie?
When she's not racing around barrels, Stephanie shares her journey and Remi's larger-than-life personality on social media. She hopes her platform and partnership with Back on Track can help encourage riders of all disciplines to prioritize their safety.
"I've taken most of the year off with barrels, but I'm getting back into it. My goal is to see how we're feeling and perform at our best. I also plan to work more on social media to spread the word that helmets are cool."
To learn more about Stephanie and support her mission to make helmets cool, follow her on Instagram @onehotbay.
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