The Life and Death of Famous Horse Diver Sonora Webster Carver

Sonora Webster Carver was an amazing athlete. She was more than just a horse diver; she was and still is an inspiration to women, and she is a legend.

The first woman horse diver in Atlantic City

In 1931, Sonora Webster became the first woman horse diver at Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Together, Sonora and her horse dove 40 feet into a diving tank filled with water. Sonora dove from 1923 to 1942.

Sonora's sister, Arnette Webster French, is another one of the first women to be a diving horse rider.

Sonora goes blind

In August 1931, Sonora went blind due to a horse diving accident. Do you think going blind stopped Sonora from horse diving? It didn't; Sonora continued to dive. The diagnosis was detached retinas, and Red Lips was the horse involved in the accident. Red Lips took a dangerous nose dive.

Sonora Webster becomes Sonora Webster Carver

Sonora met her husband, Al Carver, while working as a horse diver for his father, "Doc" Carver.

The Disney movie, "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken"

The 1991 Disney movie--"Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken"--tells the story of Sonora. It is based on her autobiography, "A Girl and Five Brave Horses." It is an amazing movie of courage, love and passion.

Quotes from Sonora in the movie:

- "I can do it because I can do anything!"

- "I found my destiny, not in far off places but within myself."

Sonora Webster died at the age of 99

Sonora Webster died on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003, in Pleasantville, N.J. She was 99 years old. Oddly enough, Sonora died one day after Josephine K. DeAngelis. Josephine and Sonora had been friends all of their lives.

Why is Sonora Webster Carver an inspiration?

Sonora is an inspiration because she didn't let her circumstances stand in her way. She continued horse diving. Later, she went on to learn braille and held a job as a Dictaphone typist.

In addition, Sonora didn't give up when it came to anything. The movie "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken" beautifully displays Sonora's perseverance. Sonora had to learn to mount a horse while it was running. She fell numerous times before finally mastering the technique.

Sonora's memory will live on. She was an amazing athlete full of ambition, spunk, love and self confidence.

Senora Webster Carver 1904-2003

More from Rebecca Bardelli:

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Rebecca completed courses in Medical Terminology, Administrative Medical Assisting, and Coding and Billing. She is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). In addition, Rebecca is a former gymnast and is avid about swimming, jogging, and other athletic activities.