For horsewoman Krystal Hindman, creativity takes many forms, from the dressage arena to digital art and the written word.
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Krystal Hindman through Women in Equine, and I was immediately intrigued by this young woman and her many talents.
Here was someone whose interests encompassed several worlds I love: horses, art, and books. Naturally, I wanted to know more!
Krystal was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a condition that affects the joints and limits the use of her arms and legs. Throughout her life, one particular passion has remained constant: horses.
A Life with Horses
Krystal was just three and a half years old when she was lifted onto her pastor’s horse for the first time.
It was love at first ride!
She eventually began riding with Shirley Wills at Heart of Texas Therapeutic Riding Center near her hometown of Hillsboro, Texas. What began as therapeutic riding developed into a competitive equestrian career.
Krystal and her wonderfully named partner, As You Wish Princess Buttercup, or simply “Buttercup,” have competed successfully in Western dressage and exceptional rider divisions.
Their accomplishments include championship and high-point honors, and Krystal has amassed quite a collection of ribbons, trophies, and buckles along the way.
In 2025, Krystal and Buttercup were part of The Diffabled Crew, the first-place Exceptional Riders team in the Western Dressage Association of America’s Online International Challenge.
Behind those accomplishments is a partnership that has developed through years of riding, training, and learning together.
From Horses to Art
Krystal’s interests extend well beyond the show ring.
Her longtime mentor, Shirley Wills, recognized her artistic talent and gave her an Apple Pencil so she could create artwork digitally on an iPad.
And create she did!
Krystal eventually returned Shirley’s gift with portraits of all the horses at Heart of Texas Therapeutic Riding Center.
A rather wonderful thank-you, I think!
Her artwork has since become another important part of her life, allowing her to capture the horses and other animals she knows and loves.
Enter Tumble
And then there is Tumble.
Tumble, a European starling, came into Krystal’s life quite literally by accident.
One day, while Krystal was riding, the young bird tumbled out of the rafters.
Hence the name!
Krystal rescued him, and the rest is history.
With his glossy, iridescent feathers and considerable personality, Tumble has become a much-loved companion.
Their friendship has taken on additional meaning as Krystal has adjusted to losing sight in her right eye. Tumble remains a lively presence in her everyday life, and he’s even found his way into her artistic pursuits.
Krystal has exhibited her work at the Hillsboro Arts League in Hillsboro, Texas, with Tumble accompanying her.
Horsewoman. Artist. Author.
And one very handsome starling.
From Canvas to Page
Krystal’s creative interests don’t end with visual art. She’s also the author of two books, one fiction and one nonfiction.
The Legend of the White Dragon
Krystal’s fantasy novel The Legend of the White Dragon follows Princess Rhagan, a rare white dragon shifter navigating a world in which her kind is feared and hunted.
It’s a story of adventure, identity, courage, and compassion, set in a world of dragons, prejudice, and the struggle for acceptance.
Krystal has said the story began with a dream that simply wouldn’t leave her alone.
So she wrote it!
Hoof Prints and Tire Tracks
Her memoir, Hoof Prints and Tire Tracks, is a much more personal undertaking.
In it, Krystal shares her experiences growing up with a disability, her relationships, her faith, and the horses that have played such an important role in her life.
She has explained that she wanted to write the kind of book she wished she’d had growing up, when she rarely encountered characters or real-life stories featuring people with disabilities.
Horses figure prominently throughout the memoir, offering Krystal companionship, confidence, and a sense of freedom.
Hoof Prints and Tire Tracks is a particularly fitting title for a woman whose life has been shaped by both.
The Art of Finding a Way
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Krystal. Between her riding, artwork, writing, and adventures with Tumble, we certainly had plenty to talk about!
She has accomplished a remarkable amount, and I suspect we’ll be hearing much more from her in the future.
What an amazing young woman!
Explore Krystal’s Work
Krystal's work is currently on exhibit at the Hillsboro Arts League in Hillsboro, Texas. She is also accepting commissions for portraits of horses and other pets.
-The Barngoddess
About Janet Winters
Janet Winters is the writer and rider behind The Barngoddess Chronicles, where a lifelong passion for horses meets history, travel, culture, country life, and the occasional mystery. An equestrian whose pursuits have taken her from the show ring to the hunting field, she is also the author of the Ivy Snow Mystery Series.
Beautiful!!!!