My Wild Ride

Fiona Johnson was born a city girl. But she was always drawn to horses. Aged 10, she saved all of her pocket money to buy a saddle at a garage sale. Eventually, after months of nagging her parents, she persuaded them to buy her a horse to go with the saddle. And so began a lifelong love affair with horses and rodeo. Fiona eventually moved from city to country, when she met the love of her life, Matt. Sadly, tragedy struck shortly after they were married. Fiona was diagnosed with Leukemia, a rare form of cancer. She wasn’t given very long to live. But Fiona is a fighter. She was determined to beat her illness. And determined to fulfill her dream of participating in Rodeo events. Shortly after her release from seven months in hospital, Fiona decided now was the time to finally learn how to rope. She desperately wanted to be part of the rodeo world. After many failed practice sessions, she eventually got the hang of it and went on to win the rookie title for ladies breakaway roping in 2005. Now, 10 years later, in remission and with two children, she can look back at the most difficult time in her life and revel in her triumph over near tragedy. Fiona is a true survivor and a champion roper. This is her story.