I began riding through my local Riding Disabled Association Group Bexley RDA. This was when I was only 18 months old and I loved everything about horses and riding from the get-go. Through my RDA group, I started competing and was so thrilled when I won my very first rosette. The coaches at Bexley RDA then suggested I moved to a bigger RDA group to extend my opportunities. I then began riding at Arrow RDA Centre. It was here I began competing in Para Dressage on a beautiful Friesian named Riemkje.
Horses
With Rem I had my first taste of competing in Para Dressage, Nationally and Internationally. We had such a great time together and she was a special horse. I still take some of her tail with me wherever I go.
My next horse was Gentle. My first warmblood. As soon as I laid eyes on that cheeky fox red horse I just knew he had to be mine. With Gentle we had a long career of competing in Para Dressage, Nationally and Internationally. He’s 27 now and very much a cheeky chap!
Laddie, I have had since 2012 we have had a great time together. Competing nationally and internationally. We even won a Para Dressage Freestyle CPEDI 2* last October! Laddie is still being ridden and I will aim him towards the national championships this year. Most recently we relocated to Kent following ten years living in Nottinghamshire whilst training with Angela Weiss.
Training and Achievements
Now living in Kent I have training sessions with Stephen Moore and Joseph Bright.
In 2022 I became the Para Dressage Grade 3 Winter National Champion at Gold level and I am currently the reserve Winter National Champion at Silver Level. I have also won Para Dressage International Classes at Keysoe CPEDI 3* on a beautiful borrowed mare named Royalty.
In October 2022 I won the Para Dressage Grade 3 Freestyle with my lovely horse Laddie at Keysoe International CPEDI 2*.
Aspirations
My ultimate aim is to reach the highest accolade as a disabled athlete…The Paralympic Games.
I’ve had many physical and mental illnesses to over come in the past ten years. However my drive to compete in the sport I love is the thing that has kept me going. The horses have really helped me during very tough times.
I am completely self-funded and train around working 4 days a week. I’m so lucky to have a good support team who help with training and looking after the horses.
It would mean the world to me to have your support. You can follow me on the below social media locations.