“We are all falling apart at this age,” Select Exhibitor Linda O’Brien says and laughs when talking about being a cancer survivor and wanting to still show at the Select World this year. “By this time in people’s lives, most have had to overcome obstacles and illness to do what we love. We definitely appreciate things more and realize that the time we have on this earth is precious and fleeting.”
This talented Select Amateur made the finals in three events: Trail, Western Riding, and Showmanship with Corporate Credit. On Wednesday morning, she placed fourth in the Trail in a tough Tim Kimura pattern. This team was also eighth in the Western Riding and finalists in the Showmanship. Linda rides with Highpoint Performance Horses and credits them for helping her succeed and show competitively even with her illness.
O’Brien has been fighting Metastatic breast cancer for several years. This type of cancer is a complex multi-step process involving the expansion of cancerous cells from the breast to other areas of the body.
“This cancer is so deadly because it mutates,” Linda tells GoHorseShow. “I have a good prognosis because my doctor says that it is easier to control it since it has spread to my bones. If it spread to my lungs or liver, it would have been more difficult to keep at bay. It is currently at a standstill, but I have chemo every 28 days.”
This relentless form of cancer started in this San Diego native’s breasts in 1999 which resulted in a mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. In 2004, the cancer spread to her right hip and in 2007, it spread to her collarbone.
“I had just bought my first Quarter Horse when I was first diagnosed in 1999, and I asked my husband if we should sell the horse, but he told me we weren’t selling the horse, that we have a plan and you are going to learn how to ride,” Linda recalls. “Five weeks after my mastectomy, I was riding again.”
O’Brien recalls a time when she was showing in Las Vegas and was wearing a wig when she lost all her hair. “The wind was gusting so much. I had the biggest fear that my hat would blow off and take my wig with it. I would go show and then go stand under the tent. When you don’t have hair–all you have to keep it on your head is tape. It is funny thinking about it now. You have to keep your sense of humor even in difficult times.”
Due to complications with recent breast reconstructive surgery, she had surgery a week ago to try and fix the problem. “I wasn’t sure whether I was going to be able to show this week, but the doctor cleared me and Charlie and Jason said to not worry that they would have the horse ready,” Linda says. “I’m so thankful for everyone’s help and support in getting me to Amarillo this year.”
This 53 year-old says that she loves to compete on the AQHA Circuit. “I love showing with the select riders. They are all friends and supportive of everyone. Dusty has the biggest heart and always wants to please. I have won the Congress and high points in the nation, but I would still love to win the World–that is one of my goals.”
We will be rooting for Linda to win gold next year!
