Given Weeks to Live Following Saddening Cancer Update, Rider Achieved Unbelievable Feat With Her Horses

62-year-old

equestrian Joanna Hare dared to be strong in the darkest times. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer in the year 2012, she began her battle against the terrible disease. After more than a decade of rallying against it, on 22nd May 2023, Joanna Hare passed away. Her indomitable spirit during her struggle with cancer, made her story a beacon of hope for thousands. To motivate others to enjoy life to the fullest despite difficulties, she began fulfilling every desire on her bucket list, including managing her precious horses.

After undergoing chemotherapy, Hare’s arms and thighs hadn’t recovered completely, and she required help with the horses. At this critical juncture, the Aberdeenshire equestrian turned to Fiona Mackinnon, to assist her with horses. Mackinnon, the director of Balhagan equestrian services helped Hare with her two geldings, Middlefield Sir Federico a.k.a Freddie and Middlemuir Jimmotht, fondly called Jimmy. Through his help, the equestrian regained her strength and once again began riding horses. She faced another hurdle in 2019 when she realized that the cancer had reached her brain. Refusing to lose hope, she decided to live all her dreams.

Joanna Hare’s exciting journey amidst severe health issues

Participating in the British eventing contest with Freddie, she became more confident. Narrating about her exciting equestrian journey,

she stated to Horse and Hound, “At the Caledonian Championships, Fiona persuaded me to ride in the Concur elegance evening performance and we were fourth.” This helped her to cross one dream off her bucket list.

Post this, she also took part in the racing event Evergreen, where she galloped on Freddie and secured fifth place in the race. She was also able to cross other dreams off her bucket list like galloping on Freddie on a beach and getting acquainted with the equestrian Pippa Funnell, who was the first to obtain victory at the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. She also traveled to know more about how gin is manufactured, accomplishing one more desire on her bucket list. The 62-year-old equestrian was honored by the Side Saddle Association for her courage.

Read More: “Touched So Many People in Her Short Life”: Horse Community Left Saddened as 21-Year-Old Equestrian Suffers Devastating Fate

Despite the fact that her disease was taking hold of her, the equestrian adopted a positive mindset. Her horses Freddie and Jimmy helped her to be optimistic after she lost her hair due to her cancer treatment. She said,

“Sometimes you have to just laugh at yourself”, adding that she “will never sit down and die.”

Hare’s willpower was similar to Jessica Jane Harrington who also went through the same ordeal. During a conversation with Horse and Hound, the Irish rider

opened up on how her horses helped her during her cancer treatment.

Jessica Jane Harrington’s inspiring story

The 76-year-old equestrian related that her chemotherapy treatment was completed and the next stage of her treatment was beginning. She said,

“I did my best to get out every single day that I could to look at the horses because that was the best therapy I reckoned I had.” The equestrian also recounted how she raced at  Leopardstown in Ireland. Further, she recounted her desire to secure victory in the Epsom Derby, hinting that her equestrian career isn’t over yet.

Hare’s and Harrington’s stories are a testament to their willpower and determination despite having cancer. Their fighting spirit will help people all over to never give up in their darkest times.

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