Kelly Cronin: Will somebody else look where I’m going?

My name is Kelly Cronin. I’m 19, an AQHA UK member and currently just finishing my A-levels, having taken a year out due to a neck injury. My subjects are Biology, English Literature and Psychology. I hope to go to York University in October to take a degree in English.   I was born registered blind with a condition called Lebersamaurosis. Medically speaking, I have five to ten percent vision. What this means is that I see basic outlines, colours, facial features etc, but couldn’t see anything as defined as eye colour, or which horse was which across a field. I use Braille, but am able to read very large print, for example text messages. I have never allowed anything to stop me from living a full and active life, and believe that there is always a way to do something, even if it’s a little off the beaten track. I also feel that my poor sight has enhanced my other senses. I am a great believer in “energy”, the vibes that every living thing gives off, hence my belief that you don’t have to see to have a horse. I know if they’re going to throw a buck, or if they’re not focussing on the job in hand, long before other people can see the visual signs.