The Day I Appreciated There’s No Such Word As Can't

The first time I heard Emma Sheardown speak, I was bowled over by her story.

As I sat in the audience and heard how this woman had conquered her sport of Para Dressage, winning gold for her country at the very highest level, I was hooked.

Emma was born to share her courageous journey with others, to inspire, educate and motivate. To remind us that there really is no such word as can’t. But more on that later.

Not just through her public speaking, but through the written word, I knew Emma had it in her to become a published author, even if she wasn’t quite so sold on the idea at first.

I’m sure Ms Sheardown won’t mind me mentioning that reading was most definitely not her favourite activity growing up. In fact, there was no reading activity…not one bit. Cue awkward silence when I asked what was her favourite book. To be perfectly honest, I was horrified at this point. But then I parked my judgement, had a word with myself and listened… I’m so glad that I did.

What I heard next drew me in from the start. ?

Born with what would later be diagnosed as quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Emma was not expected to make it through her first few nights on earth, yet she defied the odds.

Emma was not expected to walk or talk, yet she learned to do both.

Emma was not expected to make it as a public speaker, yet she has built a successful career doing exactly that.

I also learned why reading books were never high on the priority list for Emma. Why on earth would she want to sit around reading when she could be hanging out with the animals on the family farm, especially the sheep, her sheep. She even had her own flock, don’t you know?

Then came the ponies, before the big equines. Horses. Her great love. When Emma talks about the horses she’s worked with over the years, her whole face lights up. It’s a joy to witness. It’s also why whenever I was editing the parts of her book where she talks about the loss of a horse, I would cry every time. Fine when working from home, but a little more embarrassing when sitting in my remote office (coffee shop). #TrueStory

“Have you thought of writing a book, Emma?” The words just tumbled out one day when we were chatting over coffee.” I’m serious. I know you could inspire so many with your story.”

After an initial wtf moment, she set to the task. Just as with her Team GB equestrian journey, she showed huge determination and dedication, putting in the hours to fine tune her work and patiently answering the myriad of questions I fired her way.

Even the world going into lockdown couldn’t stop her. Typical Emma. Focused, driven, precise – the key ingredients for a para dressage world champion.

As we chatted through the options for her book, ‘There’s No Such Word As Can’t’ seemed the perfect title. The rest, as they say, is history.

Tonight I will have the pleasure of revisiting our time together when I interview Emma at a very special event in Grantham, Lincolnshire, to celebrate the publication of her book and to reveal her exciting new branding.

In a room packed full of local dignatories, business colleagues, friends and family, she’ll wow yet another audience with her amazing story, and yet again I'll be taking in every word. Inspired by her courage and determination.

Have a great night, Emma, you so deserve it, and thank you for being my first Turquoise Tiger Press author. You're an amazing woman.