Horses have become more than just a past time or a hobby; they are a way of life. Those who have known their presence understand their uncanny ability to comfort, motivate, and give joy to life and give life to dreams. In some cases, horses have been a person’s reason to live. For Alex Barnes of Michigan, this was certainly the case. Her incredible story involves her horse, Mist My Invitation, “Preston,” and how he helped her get out of a hospital bed and back into the saddle and eventually to the winner’s circle.
Barnes graduated high school in 2011 and began her college career at Ross Medical, studying to be a Veterinary Assistant. Three weeks into her first semester, she went to a doctor because she wasn’t feeling well. After two misdiagnoses and a collapsed right lung, Barnes was sent to the emergency room. In September of that year, Barnes was admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where it was confirmed that she was suffering from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
“I was very angry and the best therapy I had was Preston,” said Barnes.
According to Barnes’ dad, Rick, his daughter’s first question to the doctors prior to her treatment was, “When can I ride?” Not only was Preston her inspiration, she wanted to get back into the show pen. Mr. Barnes reminded his daughter every day that there was a plan for her, and her job was to stay positive.
Chemotherapy began. The treatments left Barnes weak, but not even cancer could keep her from time with Preston. “I would have someone saddle him and I would ride for 10 minutes or so, and then just sit on the rail and talk to him,” Barnes recalls. This continued throughout her treatment.
The words “cancer free” met Barnes’ ear on December 28, 2011.
The following January, Barnes started radiation treatment, but still found the strength to start riding regularly. She attended her first horse show after being diagnosed, the Michigan Quarter Horse Association’s (MQHA) Easter EggsStravaganza with her trainer Nicole Brown Veldhoff.
Barnes admits that the show was a struggle. Both Barnes and Veldhoff knew they had a long road ahead, both physically and emotionally. Together, they set long term goals that would set Barnes up for success, and each horse show would be used as a stepping stone.
At a growing point in her life, Barnes was facing things no young woman should have to face. She was fighting daily to do what she loved with the worry of health always on her mind. She missed a lot of what should have been a carefree youth. Even after what she had already endured, her journey was far from over.
Routine echocardiograms were necessary due to the heart’s exposure to radiation. The cardiologist noticed that the right side of Barnes’ heart was enlarged. An MRI exposed a hole in the heart, called Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). ASD is a birth defect that causes a hole in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers.
Barnes was scheduled for open heart surgery in March. For six weeks she was to do nothing as prescribed by doctors, but Preston still went into training with Veldhoff. They all had a plan. Preston was going to be ready to take care of his girl. Barnes was on the road to recovery.
When Barnes made her way back into the saddle she made slow, but steady progress. Her first horse show after the surgery was the MQHA Harbor Classic. She happily reflected on how amazing it felt to be back at a horse show.
The year was one of growing, learning and enjoying the opportunity of life – and the horse that had already carried her through so much. Within the year, Barnes was able to remain in good health. She was also able to show at her first American Quarter Horse Congress.
The next summer, Barnes moved in with her trainer and focused on her show career. She spent the entire season riding and showing the MQHA circuit. In September, the entire crew loaded up and headed to the AQHA Level 1 Championship Show.
Barnes and her 16.2 hand gelding were entered in the all-around events at the Level 1 Championship Show, and were named the 2014 Champions in Novice Amateur Showmanship (pictured left). Dressed in a stunning outfit and her face dripping with tears, Barnes accepted her trophy and Preston’s neck ribbon. They had done it.
Barnes’ mother, Laura, remembers that, “When she won the showmanship (Level 1 Championships), I was sitting alone because I was so nervous. It was so emotional and exciting to see her be the last one in the arena. Alex never stopped working with Preston. She loved that horse. As all horse owners know, they are a gift.”
Once again, October brought The All American Quarter Horse Congress. What happened next was an incredible joy. Alex Barnes and Mist My Invitation were named the Congress Champions in Novice Amateur Showmanship. Preston was adorned with another neck ribbon and Barnes held the coveted bronze trophy. They had done it again.
Barnes used one word when asked to describe how she felt, and that was “blessed.”
Speaking affectionately of her partner, Barnes said that, “Preston was my therapist when I was sick, and I can’t thank him enough for taking care of me. I believe that everyone that is lucky enough to do what we do with these animals has a once in a lifetime horse, and for me that was Preston.”
The family also expressed their sincere gratitude for the work that Veldhoff put into making Barnes and Preston an incredible team.
Preston now lives in Texas with a little girl, and, he is hopefully making her dreams come true, just as he did for Barnes.
Those who have shown with Barnes probably don’t know her story, because that’s the kind of person she is. She didn’t need anyone to know. Even at her lowest points, Barnes would prepare for classes, ride, show, and work without any special treatment. She didn’t want to be defined by her illness. She was there to do what everyone else wanted to do – show.
The strength within a heart cannot be proven by an MRI, and true fight is not determined by the chemicals that had to run through veins. Alex Barnes is living proof of the power someone can find from within, and on the back of a horse.
At 23 years old, Alex is beginning a new journey with her three year old mare, Long Legged An Lazy. We wish her the best of luck!
