After more than 15 years without a horse of her own, Alex Carbonaro purchased a young Thoroughbred mare, Mystic Radar (“Rayna”), who soon revealed troubling behaviors linked to a diagnosis of kissing spine, a painful spinal condition. Facing anxiety and resistance under saddle, Carbonaro left her corporate job and became a working student for five-star rider Allison Springer to seek better treatment and training options. Through medical interventions and a patient, groundwork-focused retraining approach, Carbonaro gradually rebuilt Rayna’s comfort and confidence, addressing both physical pain and behavioral issues.

This challenging journey transformed Carbonaro’s horsemanship, teaching her new communication and training skills that restored her partnership with Rayna. By spring, they were successfully competing at the Beginner Novice level, with plans to progress further while carefully managing Rayna’s condition. Carbonaro credits the experience with deepening her understanding of horses and herself, embracing the philosophy that a “banged up” horse—and rider—can still have a meaningful and joyful future together.