USA Para Dressage Team Member, Athlete and Author
Sydney Collier was nominated by Rebecca Didier, Publisher of Trafalgar Square Books. According to Rebecca, Sydney began riding at the age of seven but was soon diagnosed with the rare and life-threatening Wyburn-Mason syndrome. This condition causes arteries and veins to grow together, leading to vascular malformations (AVMs) in the brain. Despite undergoing years of experimental treatments and suffering a massive stroke that severely affected her body, Sydney never gave up on her dream of returning to the saddle and the sport she loved. Her unwavering determination earned her a spot on the US Para Dressage Team at just 16, making her the youngest competitor at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France. By 18, she had won the 2016 US Para Dressage National Championships and was the youngest member of Team USA at the 2016 Equestrian Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she placed seventh in her division.
Beyond her Paralympic pursuits, Sydney is dedicated to service and advocacy, working to increase recognition and access to para equestrian sports. A respected guest speaker and demonstration rider, she tirelessly shares the transformative impact of para dressage and horses on her life and the lives of others.
Sydney graduated from DeVry University with an Olympic scholarship in communications and is currently completing her MBA in marketing, funded by a scholarship from the United States Olympic Committee. Her accolades include the FEI Against All Odds Award, USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Captain Andrew B. De Szinay Memorial Sportsman Trophy. She was also featured in the 2022 documentary “PARAGOLD,” directed by Ron Davis, which follows the lives of four Paralympic equestrian hopefuls. Her autobiography, “BEYOND EXPECTATIONS,” is set to be published in the summer of 2024.
A quote Sydney lives by is, “Through drive, determination, and adaptability your goals can become a reality!”
When asked which pony or horse had the most significant impact on her life, Sydney responded, “Bell Bottoms, the horse I am currently training with and competing on, holds a special place in my heart. She is a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare who originally competed in upper-level dressage, but through our time together, she has developed a beautiful understanding of para dressage. Every horse I have been fortunate enough to work with has shaped me into not only the rider but the person I am today. They have taught me invaluable life lessons without ever speaking a word. From adaptability to patience, there is always something to learn from every horse if you listen closely enough!”
