Carrolina Wåhlström decided early on to work with horses. She had been told at school that she would never amount to anything because of her dyslexia.
Now she is a competitive rider, a trained youth leader and has started a business. Carrolina started riding school as a child. Always a tall person, she was always given the biggest horses.
– It finally scared me and I wanted to stop. The parents heard about riding lessons on Icelandic horses and contacted the stable. That’s the way it is.
FIVE WAYS
Her horse Vinur is stabled in Södra Bredåker together with other Icelandic horses. Today she is making her friend extra nice for this weekend’s competition in Boden. Vinur stands calmly and lets himself be groomed. Carrolina gets something warm in her eyes when she describes the horse breed.
– They have a very unique temperament. While they have a lot of motor in them, they are sensitive and gentle. I have never met a mean Icelandic horse. Other horses have three gaits, walk, trot and canter. The Icelandic horse has two more, tölt and flying walk.
This summer Carrolina and Vinur were at their third Swedish championship together. The team started in two different classes with great results.
– I love to show what my horse can do. It gives me an adrenaline rush.
IMPORTANT INTERACTION
Wången Folk High School in Jämtland is a national center of excellence for equestrian sports. A year ago, Carrolina and two friends took a youth leadership course there. Now they have organized an activity day where young people could come to learn theory, stable management and working with the horse from the ground.
– Most important is the interaction between man and horse. It’s amazing to see how a young person can learn to work with such a large animal.
A CHANCE TO SUCCEED
The friends plan to organize more activities and continue developing youth activities. Carrolina is passionate about supporting young people to believe in themselves.
– Everyone can learn on their own terms. It just takes different amounts of time.
So what does it mean for young people to spend time with horses? Carrolina Wåhlström thinks for a moment and then answers:
– It means happiness.
TEXT: ANNA ALMQVIST
