Riding for the Gold, Naturally: Lauren Barwick’s Incredible Journey” by Susan O’Brien shares the story of a young woman who battled back from a life-altering event
EL CAJON, Calif. (MMD Newswire) April 12, 2011 — “Riding for the Gold, Naturally: Lauren Barwick’s Incredible Journey” (ISBN 1453878580) by Susan O’Brien chronicles the unlikely journey of a gifted athlete who fought to regain her life and rediscover her passion for riding horses after a tragic accident.
At 22, Lauren Barwick was an able-bodied, athletic young woman who enjoyed riding over jumps on horses, cross-country running, skiing and other outdoor activities. But after a bale of hay fell on her, Barwick awoke to learn that her back was broken and she was now a paraplegic. Utterly devastated, Barwick swore to never ride a horse again. Yet she soon discovered a glimmer of hope in her sadness and embarked on a grueling journey of rehabilitation and recovery.
“The book is about the power of the human spirit to succeed in spite of extreme obstacles,” O’Brien says. “It also relates to the amazing power of our relationships with horses and the inspiration they can provide.”
Intended to entertain and inspire, the book aspires to take readers inside the world of competitive equestrian sports and offer a glimpse of the unique relationship between skilled riders and their horses.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to Mark Weiler, president of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, “Riding for the Gold, Naturally” is “a truly inspirational read. Facing life’s obstacles with an unshakable commitment to her dream, Lauren’s life journey is a testament to her personal strength and willpower. Everyone can learn valuable lessons from this book.”
Walter Zettl, one of the world’s most accomplished and revered masters of classical equestrian dressage, elaborates, “Lauren’s story will allow all readers to be witness to the experience of a passionate rider and her fate. She dedicated her life to horses and endured many ups and downs…The reader will have both happy tears and sad tears when reading Lauren’s story.”
“Riding for the Gold, Naturally: Lauren Barwick’s Incredible Journey” is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.
About the Author
Susan O’Brien is a writer, rider and educator. A graduate of San Diego State University, O’Brien earned a bachelor’s degree in English and drama, later returning to the university to earn her teaching credential. O’Brien also holds a master’s degree in educational psychology from United States International University. As a young child, O’Brien discovered a love for horses and riding that has remained with her all of her life. Her riding skills were honed through the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program where she met Lauren Barwick, the subject of “Riding for the Gold, Naturally.” O’Brien has been recognized by the Greater San Diego Reading Association as an “Outstanding Teacher of Reading/Language Arts.” She resides in El Cajon, riding and working on upcoming projects.
