Robyn Andrews is a living, breathing miracle. The 32-year-old-native of St. John’s, Newfoundland, has ridden her way to the top ranks of FEI competition, became the first Newfoundlander to compete at the World Equestrian Games, and now has her sights firmly set on helping Canada’s para-dressage team earn a berth in the 2016 Paralympics. Not bad for someone whom doctors didn’t expect would live to see 13.
A ‘medical misadventure’
At the age of 12, Robyn travelled to Toronto to have a brain tumour removed. Although the initial operation was successful, she subsequently developed pressure in her brain and required a second surgery to correct the problem. In what was termed a “medical misadventure,” surgeons accidently punctured the main artery in her brain, resulting in a massive stroke that left Robyn paralyzed and in critical condition.
“The doctors didn’t really expect her to survive, and if she did make it through the first 24 hours, they said she would likely be a vegetable,” said Robyn’s mother, Diana. “Apparently no other person has ever survived the type of brain insult she had, but survive she did. It took eighteen months of rehab in Toronto before Robyn was even well enough to come back home, but she made it. She missed all of grade eight and half of grade nine, but still managed to graduate with an ‘A’ average just one year late. And just look at my ‘vegetable’ now! The doctors all call her ‘The Miracle.’”
New sport, new legs
As part of her rehabilitation program, a physiotherapist suggested Robyn visit Rainbow Riders, a therapeutic riding program based in St. John’s. With no background in horses, the experience was intimidating at first for both mother and child. “I think I was a bit terrified,” Robyn admitted, laughing. “It was so high up!”
“As a mother it was nerve-wracking,” added Diana. “At the time, Robyn couldn’t even hold her own head up in her wheelchair. She needed a couple of side-walkers on each side just to hold her on the horse.”
After several years of therapy, when Robyn was able to ride unassisted, a therapist pointed her in the direction of competitive para-dressage. With no formal competitions available in Newfoundland, the Andrews travelled to Ontario in 2008, connected with Ottawa-area coach Ruth Koch, and leased a suitable horse.
Robyn fell in love with the sport immediately and that autumn the family flew to Germany to find her the perfect competitive mount. Fancianna (aka Fancy), a Friesian/Andalusian-cross mare that is now 14 years old, has been her partner ever since.
“I really liked the idea of dressage,” said Robyn. “Before I got sick I was a competitive figure skater [a three-time provincial champion] and the two sports have a lot of similarities. Fancy had the ideal temperament to be a para horse and she really takes care of me. She has become my legs.”
Family support
The decision to focus on a competitive career was not an easy one and has meant a great deal of sacrifice for the Andrews family. Robyn’s father, Bob, maintains a busy law practice in St. John’s and stayed home with her three older brothers while she and her mother travelled extensively for coaching and competitions. Summers see Robyn and Diana based near Uxbridge, Ontario, where they now work with coach Amanda Kalvoda. Winters are spent in Wellington, Florida.
“It’s a decision the family made together. We look at everything that’s been taken away from Robyn, but also everything that’s been given to her through this sport,” says Diana. “It’s given her a purpose, a reason to get up in the morning, and an outlet for her competitive drive. To see something she loves, lives for, and works so hard for come to fruition makes all the sacrifice worthwhile.”
The entire family travelled to Normandy in 2014 to watch Robyn compete in the Grade 1a division at the World Equestrian Games, an experience that was unforgettable for all. “The opening ceremony was the most amazing thing I have ever done,” says Robyn. “Oh my God, going in the athlete parade, waving to everyone and hearing the support from the crowd, it was really moving, really overwhelming and emotional. Fancy handled the travel and the noise and the crowds like a pro. It was a fantastic experience.”
That international experience will serve the pair well as they focus on their next goal of helping Canada’s para-dressage team secure a spot in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. With competition fierce for the few team spots available, Robyn and Fancianna travelled to Europe in June, hoping to earn qualifying scores at three CPDIs.
Will Robyn succeed in her quest to become the first Newfoundlander to ride for Canada at the Olympics? Nothing is out of the question for this determined “miracle” athlete.
