Sunshine Coast equestrian Kyrie de Jong learning to walk again after spinal surgery

An accomplished Queensland show jumper and horse trainer is defying the odds and learning to walk again following emergency spinal surgery this month. Here’s how she’s doing it.

Sunshine Coast equestrian Kyrie de Jong is learning to walk again after spinal surgery. Picture - Facebook/Kyrie de Jong.

An accomplished Sunshine Coast show jumper and horse trainer is defying the odds and learning to walk again following emergency spinal surgery this month – despite doctors saying she might never walk, talk, or ride horses again.

Kyrie de Jong, 38, was rushed in for emergency spinal surgery on May 1 following a horse floating incident on the Bruce Highway late last year.

Ms de Jong, who runs her own business, Off The Track Accredited Trainer, with more than 100 riding students, suffered a bulging disk in her neck which had been left undiagnosed and untreated.

While travelling home from an equestrian competition on the Bruce Highway, the horse in the float Ms de Jong was towing was spooked.

Sunshine Coast equestrian Kyrie de Jong. Picture - Facebook/Kyrie de Jong.

She pulled over on the side of the highway and had to call for a vet.

During this incident she thought she had hurt her shoulder and suffered ongoing but manageable neck and shoulder pain.

Unknown to her she had a bulging disc in her C spine, which then caused a sudden onset of paralysis on May 1.

Presenting to emergency she was rushed into spinal fusion surgery with doctors warning her it was likely she’d never walk, talk, or be able to horse ride again, if they could save her life.

Close friend Assunta Hamilton said Ms de Jong was incredibly brave and resilient.

Kyrie de Jong was told she might never ride again. Picture - Facebook/Kyrie de Jong.

“Of course Kyrie is proving them so wrong...learning to walk again and she already is showing them she’s the boss...with her fierce incredible strength and determination,” Ms Hamilton said.

“She’s still very weak and wobbly but doing amazingly well considering everything. Her left side still isn’t properly connected to her brain and she will be in rehabilitation for some time.”

Kyrie de Jong thought she’d just suffered minor shoulder and neck pain. Picture - Facebook/Kyrie de Jong.

Now 13 days since the surgery, and Ms de Jong has remained positive.

“Every day there has been an improvement, whether a movement gets easier, or smoother or stronger I finish every day on a positive note knowing I’ve gained even if it’s only small, it’s still a gain,” she said.

“My left arm still has a bit of a mind of its own when it comes to fine motor skills.

“It may sound a bit funny but I’m actually really grateful for this experience. I have learnt so much about my body, how to breakdown exercises, visualise, my breathing techniques and the ability to reset my mind has improved.

“I’ve learnt how strong my will power can be and it’s given me great perspective on what I would like in my life moving forward. So there’s not just physical growth but a huge mental growth as well.

“I know it’s still going to be a long journey but I’m still super positive.”

Sunshine Coast equestrian Kyrie de Jong visiting her animals post surgery. Picture - Facebook/Kyrie de Jong.

Ms Hamilton has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support her friend.

“She’s the most generous person and I can’t believe how much she helps others. So we’re hoping to help her,” she said.

“Very passionate about horses and such a strong business woman. She has built an amazing life and career for herself around that passion.

“It’s shocked a lot of people that this has happened. She’s very loved and well known in the local horse community and she’s highly regarded for what she does.

Sunshine Coast equestrian Kyrie de Jong reunited with her horse post surgery. Picture - Facebook/Kyrie de Jong.

“Her parents live in Tasmania and the rest of family is in New Zealand (where she was born). She’s never asked for help or money before.

“It’s devastating but she’s got lots of people behind her and a lot of support to try and overcome this.”

You can support Ms de Jong here.