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PITTSFIELD - The old adage “once you fall off a horse, you need to get right back on” took on a whole new meaning for one horse aficionado. Competitive barrel racer Carolyn Richens was busy entering rodeos and other speed events when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Now, this athlete is back in the saddle and inspiring her fans in more ways than she could have imagined. Carolyn Richens, 38, has dedicated her life to working with horses. In addition to racing national competitions and serving in the Maine Quarter Horse Association, Maine Barrel Racing Association and as coordinator for the Maine Speed Event, she also owns The Tack Stop, a barrel racing equipment company with sales worldwide. Everything was going as planned until Carolyn was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system that affects an estimated 400,000 Americans, according to the National MS Society. For Carolyn Richens, it was a life changing diagnosis. The once on-the-move pro barely had the strength to get out of bed, let alone get on a horse. She decided to put all her energy into finding a way to manage her disease, and she found great doctors and medicine to help her along the way. Today, Carolyn is back in the saddle and riding in shows across the country. In 2002, she achieved her dream of finishing in the top 10 of the American Quarter Horse Congress…beating out over 15,000 entries! In addition, Carolyn has found new inspiration by helping other MS patients and by taking on the role as an MS LifeLines Ambassador to help educate and motivate others like her. MS LifeLines™ is a free resource sponsored by Serono and Pfizer, developed with the guidance of people with MS - for people with MS. More information is available by visiting www.MSLifeLines.com or by calling 1-877-447-3243. Carolyn Richens resides in Pittsfield, Maine with her husband and three horses. |
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