“…Just So Beautiful” 8-Yo Equestrian Braves Incurable Disease to Qualify for Regionals Despite Major Complications.

The beauty of a proverb is best understood when it applies to real life. The words have to materialize before us for us to appreciate them. Giving meaning to the proverb “where there is a will, there is a way,” this young equestrian is winning titles and hearts. The young boy has lost much of his physical functionality to cancer, but his technique and heart are still running at full steam.

The 8-year-old has shown tremendous resilience and has impressed the entire equestrian community. Preparing for his next big match, this boy has even managed to gain the admiration of a Paralympian!

Defying Cancer for equestrian goals

Dylan Flack was diagnosed with an incurable case of bone cancer last year. The disease left him with many disabilities on his left side. Despite the endless, painful chemotherapy procedures, the young equestrian never loses an ounce of focus. Flack is honing his skills and taking lessons at the Keysoe International equestrian center. He first contacted the organization when he came to the center for a cuddle therapy session. The officials instantly noticed his love and affection towards the ponies. They couldn’t help but marvel at the young boy’s determination to ride his pony Inky and be good at it as well. 

Noticing the rough gemstone, Keysoe didn’t waste any time and immediately invited Flack on board. Keysoe prepared Flack for the RDA qualifiers via several private lessons. While he was receiving the aid of one of the best equestrian centers in the world, Keysoe said that they had just perfected his already excellent technique. Right before his trials, Keysoe decided to outdo themselves and arrange for a special treat for him.

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Paralympics Legend Meets Flack

“As a surprise before his last round, we arranged a special treat… a meet-up with none other than 14-time Paralympic medal winner Sir Lee Pearson,” said Keysoe in a statement to Bedford Today. While the young boy was overjoyed to meet a great Paralympian, his mother, Jessica, was overcome with emotion. “It was just so beautiful. When we arrived, Dylan got to meet Sir Lee Pearson and even got to wear one of his Tokyo gold medals. I can’t thank everyone involved for making it so, so special for Dylan,” she said. 

The meeting hugely bolstered Flack’s confidence, and he managed to ace his class with a score of 77.05%. This also secured his berth at the regional qualifiers. The CEO of Keysoe International, Sarah Stoute, also spoke to Bedford Today about Flack’s success. “Due to how impressed we were with Dylan’s determination and his obvious love and care for his pony Inki we were more than happy to invest in Dylan,” she said. The young boy is now preparing to win the championship, which will be held in Gloucestershire.

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