GoHorseShow recently became aware of an inspiring story about AQHA and NCEA competitor, Paris Nottingham of Lawrence, Kansas. Our readers may know Paris from showing RL Top Knot on the AQHA show circuit under the guidance of Chad and Barbie Evans. Nottingham is the captain of the Oklahoma State University NCEA equestrian team and was also named the OSU Spirit Rider who rides Bullet out on the field every time OSU scores a touchdown during home games.
The broadcast news story that aired Sunday on KTUL-8ABC Tulsa (see below), detailed an incident where Paris was bucked off when she was riding Bullet during her first game as Spirit Rider and the aftermath of being bullied and harassed online. Nottingham’s poise, strength and ability to turn a bad experience into lessons on kindness is remarkable.
We reached out to Paris today to discuss how she has handled the difficult experience. “I really appreciate all the confidence and support I received from not only the Cunningham’s (the family that runs the Spirit Rider program), but the entire OSU community as well. It truly is a family. I also appreciate Kristin Dickerson (the Channel 8 reporter) for being so kind and complimentary of me throughout the entire process of making the interview and video. This whole experience has truly taught me the power of words and what it means to be someone who practices kindness and compassion in all walks of life.”
Please click to view the video of the inspiring story below from Kristen Dickerson of KTUL-8ABC Tulsa
