08/27/2026
Darci Parry
Growing up on a farm and ranch, competing in local horse events, and surviving some life-altering horse wrecks has taken me on a journey I never expected. If life were a documentary, there would be plenty of chapters filled with life's ups and downs.
Today, I'm a woman in my 40s living with PTSD from horseback accidents. For years, fear stole the joy I once found in riding. Over the last several years, I've been rediscovering the horse girl I thought I'd lost, rebuilding my confidence one ride at a time, and learning something I never imagined would be so difficult: how to simply breathe while sitting in the saddle.
C**t starting was never part of my plan. Why would it be? I had Wayne!
Last summer, I had the privilege of watching my then 11 year old son start his very first c**t under Wayne's mentorship. Seeing my son accomplish something I never thought I would attempt was both inspiring and humbling. My son kept encouraging me that one day I needed to start my own c**t. . At the time, all I could say was, "Maybe someday."
This is that someday.
Stepping into this competition is far outside my comfort zone. I have never started a c**t before, and there are moments when fear still whispers in my ear. But I've learned that life gives us a choice: we can become bitter, or we can become better. I'm choosing better. I'm choosing to learn new skills, face my fears, and fulfill one of Wayne last wishes.
This competition isn't just about starting a c**t. It's about proving to myself that fear doesn't get the final say.
To every horsewoman carrying the weight of past wrecks, PTSD, or the reality that we don't bounce like we did in our 20s, this ride is for you. I hope my journey reminds you that healing isn't about becoming fearless. It's about finding the courage to do scary things anyway, even when people are watching.
Here's to the encouragement of my son, a little push from Wayne, and the courage to say "yes" to something I never thought I'd do. I'm here learning how to start c**ts, honoring a promise, and proving that it's never too late to become the horsewoman you were always meant to be.