Velma Bronn Johnston

Wild Horse Annie (www.laobserved.com)

There are many heroes in the world, but each person has one specific thing or human being who has truly inspired them. My true inspiration is the courageous Velma Bronn Johnston or “Wild Horse Annie”. She was an amazing person with an inspiring story as well.

Annie was born on March 5th, 1912 in Reno, Nevada. At age 11, Annie had to spend months in the hospital due to Polio. After coming out of the hospital, Annie was filled with perseverance. She was determined to learn, though she was constantly taunted by fellow classmates due to her disability. But this didn’t stop Annie.

She made a difference in the treatment of horses and also opened a ranch for disabled children. But her true compassion was for the cruelly treated horses. Even after many failures and her husband's death from emphysema, Annie still ran her campaign and finally won the rights of horses back. Annie died on June 27, 1977, in Reno, Nevada. Annie inspires many, for she stayed confident and positive through all the hard times throughout her life.

Annie with her beloved horse (www.manesandtailsorganization.org)

Annie is a true inspiration to me because even when her life was sorrow and it seemed as if nothing was going to get better, she kept going on and kept trying and eventually achieved her goal and more. She has showed what true perseverance is. She had a kind heart and was always giving more and more to help anyone or anything in need, but her true inspiration was horses, just like me. I want to inspire and prove that I am more than just another person. I will always remind myself to stay strong and never give up, just as Annie did.

All in all, though there are many heroes in this world, each person has one specific thing or human being who has changed their life. Wild Horse Annie has inspired many to stay strong and to be courageous and continues to do so. She will never be forgotten and will always be a true inspiration to many.