Local equestrians support one of their own

Madison Lawson shown jumping at Lockton Farms. Photos provided.

News Release

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On Saturday July 21st, local equestrians are hosting a fundraising horse show at Lockton Farms to show their support for injured rider Madison Lawson. On June 29th, the thirteen year old girl sustained a spinal cord injury when she fell from a rearing horse, which then lost its balance and fell, crushing Madison under it.

Madison was airlifted to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children where she has undergone surgery to stabilize her spine. Apparently an injury like hers almost always results in paralysis, but in Madison’s case the doctors are calling her ‘a very lucky girl’ and hoping that she will walk again.

Riding is like breathing to Madison – it comes just as naturally to her and it is such an important part of her life. She has been riding since the age of 5 and has been training with International equestrian Paige Lockton-Wilde for the past 2 years.

Her dream is to ride and train horses for a living and to represent Canada at the Olympic Games. “Madison is focussed, gutsy and determined” said her coach Lockton-Wilde. “The same qualities that make her such a great competitor will be called on during her rehab and will help her through it. She has a long haul ahead of her, but with the right attitude and the right kind of support, I know she can do it.”

The fundraiser on the 21st aims to help Madison and her family with the costs incurred during her lengthy rehabilitation, which will mostly be done in Toronto.

The horse show will start at 9AM with beginner classes and will offer other attractions for spectators throughout the day, such as pony rides, a silent auction and demonstrations over the lunch hour. The grand finale of our lunch hour demonstrations will be a special guest appearance by the Toronto Mounted Police. Four members of their drill team will be piped in by local piper Lloyd Stamp and will put on a show in full regalia. Items are being collected for the silent auction, which include everything from spa services and riding holidays to art work and equestrian supplies.

If you or your business has an item to donate, please call 472-2890. Financial donations can be made at TD Canada Trust in her mother’s name: Nathalie Lawson. 100% of the proceeds from the Lockton Farms Ride for Madison Horse Show will go to benefit Madison.

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