Steph Quintrell is Operations manager for non-profit organisation Forces Wives Challenge (FWC), a social enterprise that unites women who have partners in the Armed Forces (serving or veterans) through adventure and challenge. In 2023 with the support of her team of extraordinary forces wives, Steph Quintrell became the world’s first wheelchair dependent person to ride by horseback across the Pyrenees mountains from France to Spain, following the WW2 Freedom trails in what was named the Ride to Freedom expedition.
In 2019, Steph suddenly became very unwell and was subsequently diagnosed with a complex neurological condition, which among other debilitating symptoms, took away her ability to walk or even stand. As a full-time wheelchair user, with limited use in one of her hands, Steph has been determined not to let her disability dictate what she can and can’t do. She is dedicated to demonstrate that with determination, passion, hard work and the correct support, adventure can be accessible for all.
Alongside regularly riding her horse, Steph also takes part in other FWC outdoor challenges such as open water swimming and is keen to continue to push outside of her comfort zone to inspire others to do the same.
Always someone who is looking at the next challenge in life, Steph has also now set up Equine Para-adventures CIC (EPA) alongside her husband Jon and they have big dreams with where they want to take the organisation. Through EPA, Steph will tackle an even tougher challenge in February 2026, which will see EPA’s flagship expedition Ride to Independence. Alongside a team of 5 incredible women, she will aim to become the world’s first wheelchair dependent person to ride by horseback across the Andes, starting in Argentina and finishing in Chile.