At just 12 years old, Sienna Charles has already made a name for herself in the competitive world of show jumping. A sport that she was practically born into, Sienna’s journey began at the age of 4, following in the footsteps of her father, who competed professionally. Her days are spent in the arena, jumping horses with a passion and dedication that seems to be written in her DNA.
For Sienna, show jumping isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. “I’ve always enjoyed it,” she says. “I didn’t love school much, but I’ve always loved riding. I never thought about doing another sport.” It’s clear that riding horses is more than just a hobby for Sienna – it’s her calling.
But even for a natural like Sienna, the road hasn’t always been smooth. She has experienced her fair share of falls and injuries, some more serious than others. Despite being knocked out several times, it wasn’t until a particularly severe concussion during training that Sienna’s life took an unexpected turn. Diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, she faced a gruelling eight-month recovery period, plagued by symptoms that went far beyond physical pain.
“I had 24/7 pain in my head, spasms, and I couldn’t even make out words or repeat anything,” Sienna recalls. “Walking down the street and seeing a lot of people, my vision would go blurry, and I’d throw up. I had no energy, extreme fatigue, and I’d just burst out crying for no reason.” The severity of her symptoms and the extended recovery period made her question whether she was cut out for show jumping. Despite these challenges, Sienna’s love for the sport remained unwavering. “Coming back, I realised I haven’t lost anything – my love for the sport is bigger than ever.”
Sienna’s return to show jumping wasn’t just a physical recovery but a mental one as well. With a line-up that includes multiple horses (a speed horse, one for bigger jumps, and another for the Nations Cup), Sienna has to be on her A-game at all times. Her favourite part? The bond she builds with each horse. “You build a good relationship with them outside of the sport, grooming and spending time with them to build trust,” she explains.
About 6 months ago, Sienna began her journey with CONKA as an attempt to relieve her post-concussion symptoms. Since then, it has been a key part of Sienna’s recovery and return to top form. Since incorporating CONKA into her routine 6 months ago, Sienna has noticed a significant improvement in her mental clarity and decision-making abilities – essential skills in a sport where a split-second decisions can mean the difference between winning and losing.
“When doing a fast round, you have a split second to decide, and now I can make those decisions so much easier and quicker,” she says. “Before, I couldn’t even remember the strides, but now I feel clear-headed and focused.”
Like many athletes, Sienna has her rituals before a competition. She listens to music to get into the zone, opting for upbeat, house music depending on the day. But once she’s on the horse, it’s all business. When asked if she ever listens to music while riding, she replies “Never on the horse”, which to me says a lot about her respect for this majestic animal but also for the present moment.
Sienna’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and trust. Despite the setbacks and challenges, she remains committed to her sport and her goals, as well as trusting that the horses will do their part – showcasing a truly beautiful teamwork. With the help of CONKA, she continues to push her limits and redefine what it means to be a young athlete in a demanding and competitive field. For Sienna, the future is bright, and the sky is the limit.
Leticia Hosang, BSc
Leticia is a sports science, sports psychology and neuroscience researcher, previously working with Brunel London University and exploring the effects of exercise on brain activity.
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