A former “happy hacker” who was paralysed in a speedboat explosion just before she was due to get married has been awarded the FEI gold badge of honour.

The award is given to those who have completed six FEI world and continental championships. Deborah Daniel completed her sixth this summer, the para driving World Championships, where Britain won team bronze.

“My accident was a tragedy,” Deborah told H&H. “But one, I’m alive. And two, it’s taken my life down a different path that I’d never have gone on. It had always been my dream to wear the Great Britain flag on my chest; the first time I did, I couldn’t see the centre line as my eyes were full of tears. I was so, so proud; to wear that flag on your chest and represent your country means everything.”

Deborah was 29 in October 1997 when she and her fiancé flew to St Lucia for their wedding. Two weeks before their wedding date, they went for a boat trip.

“We’d waded out to this big speedboat and they couldn’t start one of the outboard engines,” she said. “So someone flipped open the hatch that I was sitting next to, and went to hot-wire it, without realising there had been a fuel leak. So basically, the boat blew up.”

Deborah was thrown about 30 feet in the air and landed in the water.

“I checked my legs were still attached, but I knew I’d broken my back,” she said. “There were 14 or 15 people on the boat and five were killed.”

Deborah and her fiancé, who had also broken his back but was not paralysed, were taken to hospital, then back to Britain. Deborah went back to her job as a police officer but had to undergo multiple operations, and chose to retire on medical grounds a year later. She moved to Shropshire from Staffordshire, and bought a bungalow.

“It’s got land and stables,” she said. “I tried riding but it wasn’t for me because I could only walk. But I used to help with the Riding for the Disabled Association at the national championships and one year, they asked if I’d be a guinea pig and go in a carriage, so I did, and when I moved to Shropshire, I thought I’d give it a go.”

That was over 20 years ago and Deborah has not looked back. She started with “a couple of competitions” – and has now won five championship medals for Britain, all with her groom Holly Dormer as backstepper. Her ponies, whether owned or loaned, have all been Welsh section Cs. “I must be mad, as they’re all bonkers!” but “I adore them,” she said.

Deborah also competes in able-bodied driving, and said she loves all aspects of the sport, from training to championships.

“I think it’s the challenge,” she said. “It’s so like eventing; the dressage, which is the basis of everything else, then you’ve got the speed and accuracy, and you have to be on the ball for the marathon, which is fast and furious, including how wet you can get your groom in the water! It’s amazing fun, and there’s great camaraderie.”

Deborah said she was “slightly disappointed” with her performance at this year’s championships, with Averina Snow’s Capitola Mr. Houdini; she “messed up in the marathon” but achieved counting scores in the dressage and cones, coming second in the latter, to take the bronze with Mick Ward and Emily Ham, less than a penalty behind the US in silver.

“You go out with the team first and foremost in mind,” she said. “And I wanted to complete, and get my gold badge, which I did, so I was thrilled to bits; no other para driver has done that.”

Deborah is now aiming for the 2025 World Championships, and will “keep trying to improve”.

“I just want to be the best I possibly can,” she said. “Fingers crossed I’ll be able to put my jacket back on and compete for Great Britain again.”

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Tributes have been paid to a much-loved medal-winning para dressage horse, who was found by chance when his owner Sharon Jarvis was “flicking through Horse & Hound”.

Australian rider Sharon’s KWPN gelding Applewood Odorado, fondly known as “Odie”, has died aged 27.

Sharon and Odie competed at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, where they were fourth and seventh individually. In 2010 they won two bronze medals at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA.

Odie was bred in the Netherlands, and produced as a young horse in the UK. He was competed to prix st georges level by Alice Peternell, originally under the name Wonderland Odorado. Sharon found Odie “by chance while flicking through Horse & Hound magazine” while she was in the UK in 2007, competing at the World Championships at Hartpury.

Sharon said as soon as she saw Odie with Alice, she knew he was the horse for her.

“That one ride was enough for me to not want to get off. It then took six months to get you back to Western Australia after getting stuck in UK quarantine during the Australian equine influenza outbreak,” she said.

“You finally got to me the week before Christmas and several short weeks later we were selected for the Beijing Paralympics where we placed a very credible fourth in the individual championship test. We gave you our stud prefix (Applewood) after I sold several ponies and with the help of Mum and Dad I could afford you.”

Sharon said Odie kept her “honest as a rider” and could “spin 180 degrees very quickly”.

“You were sharp as you wanted to be and often had four four feet in the air going in four different directions,” she said.

“But you also knew when it was show time and I always said if you were a human you would either be a comedian or a showman, you loved the spotlight. And you loved doing the demos at interschools for all the admiring kids.”

Sharon added that she “met many wonderful people and gained friendships” because of Odie. Following his retirement in 2012, he spent a couple of years with friends, and then returned to Sharon where he “took up residency being the king”.

“Odie, you remained the king of the property till the end, you were the grandpa babysitter putting all the young ones in their place, reminding them of who you were and to be respected,” said Sharon.

“Thank you to all who were a part of Odie’s life with me. Thank you will never be enough, but thank you Applewood Odorado for all you did for me. Odie, you were much more than just a dual World Championship bronze medallist horse for Australia.

“You made my dreams come true and so much more.”

Sharon Jarvis will be returning to the UK to compete in the CPEDI3* at the NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival (4-9 July).

“It feels rather fitting to be getting on a plane on Friday (23 June) to be heading back to compete where it all began so many years ago,” she said.

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A rider who was paralysed in a cross-country accident has become a fundraiser for the air ambulance that saved her life – and has returned to the saddle.

Sallyanne Haigh suffered a spinal-cord injury when her horse reared and fell on her in October 2015 and now has no movement below her first lumbar vertebrae.

“It was a horrific accident, and a long road to recovery, but I’m getting my life back together,” Sallyanne told H&H.

Sally was at a local rally in 2015, and cross-country schooling, when she had her fall.

“There was a bit of a hill up to the jump and my horse refused the first time,” she said. “I came again and she went up, and because it was uphill, she went straight back on top of me.

“She crushed me, and I knew things weren’t great.”

As a nurse, Sallyanne said it was “a bit surreal to be on the other side”.

“I wasn’t knocked out but the pain – I’ve never known anything like it,” she said. “The ambulance was called but they couldn’t access me in the field so the crew carried all their stuff to assess me and by then it was clear there was a complication as I couldn’t feel or move my legs. Then they called the air ambulance.”

It was the Great Western Air Ambulance that went to Sallyanne’s aid and saved her life.

“When they arrived, it sort of calmed the situation,” she said. “There were two doctors; Ed Valentine and Greg Crastone. Greg was training to be an air ambulance doctor so I was very lucky to have an extra pair of hands.”

Sallyanne was transferred to Southmead Hospital, Bristol, where her injuries were confirmed.

“I had a 10-hour operation to fix the vertebrae but with the spinal-cord damage, there’s nothing you can do,” she said.

“But how the air ambulance was – I was completely conscious and as a nurse, was telling them what I needed and they were probably thinking ‘Shut up’! But as a rider, it was very much appreciated that they were able to attend; I was very lucky they could get to me.”

Sallyanne spent seven months in hospital; in Southmead then a rehab unit in Salisbury.

“Then you go home and pick up the pieces and get on with your life, which is really difficult when you’re completely paralysed from the waist down and living your life in a wheelchair,” she said. “But us equestrians are pretty mad, aren’t we – after 18 months, I was back on a horse.”

Sallyanne said she approached her local Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) branch but as her consultant had said riding would be a risk, the group was limited in what it could do for her.

“I’ve always had horses; my daughter has too, and that’s what you do, the majority of your life,” she said. “I was missing it, so I took it upon myself to improve my physical health.”

Sallyanne started going to the gym, then her friend and instructor Beth Hobbs said her horse Flynn would be suitable. Fundraising meant they could buy a hoist, with which Flynn was trained.

“That took a while but by that time, I’d seen a private consultant who wrote me a letter saying equestrian exercise is beneficial, and when the RDA had that, I started to be able to ride there too,” Sallyanne said, adding that she has since been classified by British Dressage as a grade II para rider.

“I did a couple of little competitions, for me and my self-esteem, I think it was something I wanted to prove,” she said. “Everyone says ‘I hope you’re not going to ride again’, and being told not to do something makes me think ‘I’m not going to listen to that’! It was a long road but I love being back in the saddle.”

The Covid lockdowns put a spanner in the works, and Flynn developed a back issue that meant Sallyanne could not ride him but she found Ride 2 Achieve RDA in Hereford, where she has since been riding.

“I won’t be at the Paralympics; it’s not about that,” she said. “It’s being able to enjoy the therapy, and what it does for my mental health, being in the saddle. It’s something I’m enjoying, and who knows where it might lead. It’s just lovely to be supported back into the saddle in such a supportive environment.”

Sallyanne also works four days a week, and for the past few years has also been involved with and fundraising for the air ambulance. She was invited to the base to meet the doctors who had saved her, which she described as an emotional experience but also one that the doctors said was helpful as she was conscious throughout her rescue.

“They wanted to know if I was comfortable; how they could improve, which is phenomenal,” Sallyanne said. “At the time of my accident, they were volunteers, although now they’re on the payroll, and as far as I was concerned, they were flying angels.

“I think they said every time the air ambulance takes off, it costs £2,000 before they’ve done anything. I’m happy to help them out because they’re so important, especially for equestrians.

“Things happen and we take risks and having them attend to me was life-changing. I can’t thank them enough.”You might also be interested in:

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Erin Orford, a world and double European medallist in grade III para dressage, on what it takes to win a championship team medal and her new role as commentator in Herning

Commentating on the live-stream at the World Para Dressage Championships was a strange but exciting experience, as I have only ever been in that sort of championship environment as a rider. I was surprised at the level of production that goes into every aspect of live-streaming and was learning on the go all week.

The area I felt most comfortable with was talking about the tests; for that it helps to be a rider, as I could sympathise with what the riders were going through and understand a bit of what they were feeling. I had to think hard about what a combination was doing, how it might come across to the judges, and it offered a really useful perspective to take into my own riding and how I could improve the way I ride and present a test.

Attracting new audiences

As a venue, Herning was great. It was big, but not as big as Tryon in 2018, for example, and here everything was quite close to the tradestands and the shopping village. That meant that at the para dressage arena, we got a lot more interest from people who hadn’t specifically come to watch para dressage. People who were just walking past popped in to watch the Danes, but stayed for other riders too, and that helps us attract new audiences and give the sport more exposure.

Denmark is strong when it comes to para dressage, and the organisers really promoted it as much as they did the other sports. It was great to see flags and banners around with para dressage riders’ faces on, as well as dressage riders and showjumpers. Sophie Wells’ face was on the first flag I saw coming into the venue!

The standard at these championships was so high, and the horsepower was insane. Denmark had two very big scorers and a third good scorer – and that wasn’t enough to win gold. The Netherlands brought their A game with a full team of very strong riders and that’s what was needed. There is no room for error now – everyone needs the ride of their life on the right day for the team to be on the podium. Last year, Britain brought home the gold because they all pulled out mega scores on the day it mattered for the team.

In Herning, Britain’s Lee Pearson and Natasha Baker both had horses a bit on their toes. They did really well to manage that and produce scores that, in the past, would have been good enough for a team medal, with Sophie’s bigger score as well. But now, teams can’t afford not to be pulling in personal best scores, or close, from all three riders. It’s great for the sport.

A confusing swap

Swapping the team and individual tests around was confusing for some of the riders watching who recognised the tests. The format itself is quite simple, but I had to try not to mention the name of the test, as it was a confusing concept that the “team test” decided the individual medals and the “individual test” decided the results for the team.

The names of the tests need to change, especially if this format is here to stay, but I’m not sure how I feel about calling them the para grand prix and grand prix special, as proposed. I worry that as we encourage new spectators into the sport, it might be confusing for them in terms of what they expect to see if it’s compared to the able-bodied dressage classes. But then again, I understand the reasoning behind the term “grand prix” referring to the peak of the sport.

It was nice to see all riders in action in both the individual and team competitions, and for those two scores to be combined to decide the top eight to progress to the freestyle. It gives riders a chance to qualify even if things haven’t gone to plan on day one, and it gives everyone at least two trips into the arena.

Previously, riders not on a team would ride just one test, and that format could be off-putting for federations with just one or two riders who may not be expecting to qualify through, as it is expensive to send riders to a championship. I very much liked that change to the format and the extra opportunity it gave all the riders, whether medal contenders or not.

• What did you think of the para dressage competition and coverage from Herning? Tell us at hhletters@futurenet.com

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 26 August

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The organiser of what may be the first local show to run a dedicated ring for para equestrians said she was in tears as she realised how much it meant to those who took part.

Andrea Povey of Fawley Farm Feeds, in Alton, Hampshire, told H&H she was “absolutely blown away” by the reaction to the initiative, at the family business’s annual show on 3 July.

The event has been running for nine years, in aid of good causes, and Andrea said the idea came from last year’s show.

“A lady came who was in a wheelchair; she was desperate to come and show her pony,” she said. “She said ‘I’m sure you’re going to say no’, and I was shocked by that word. I said ‘My show is for everyone, and everyone’s included’. So we made it happen.”

Andrea said that having checked the other horses were happy with the wheelchair, and with the judges allowing the competitor into the ring first, the competitor last year was “overjoyed” to be able to show her pony in hand.

“She went in the ring and led her pony like everyone else,” she said. “She was incredible, and it got me thinking.”

Realising no shows in the area had a para ring, Andrea contacted Nigel Hoppitt, chair of the local Broadlands Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) group, one of the 2022 show’s chosen charities.

“And we pulled it off,” she said. “I hadn’t realised that it just wasn’t out there; I didn’t realise people felt they couldn’t go to shows. I announced on Facebook that we were going to have a para ring, once we’d ticked every box, and I was blown away by the support.”

Andrea said one of the shop’s clients gave up her day to pick up the Broadlands RDA ponies, take them to the show and take them home again. Others entered a variety of classes on their own horses.

“I’ve had so many emails,” she said. “People were telling me their children had autism or ADHD, or other things, and they had ponies but had never thought about taking them to shows in case the child had an episode. With the stigma that goes along with it, it just wasn’t worth doing. But they came to this show.

“We had spectators crying at the ringside, people with no connection to the competitors, they were just blown away by watching them have the time of their lives.”

Andrea cited one girl, Libby Thorne, who made a TikTok video of her experience with her pony Poppy at the show.

“It meant so much to me to be included and enjoy showing my pony like everybody else,” Libby wrote. “We WILL be back next year.”

“I was sobbing when I saw her video,” Andrea said. “They were fantastic, and I shared it because I want to show everyone this is why we did it. The ring will always be at the show now.”

Andrea would like to see other shows following suit; one, booked on her land for a local bloodhound pack this summer, will also run a para ring.

“Someone posted it on another show’s page and the organiser said she’d think about it, but what is there to think about? Other shows need to be doing this,” she said.

“Everyone deserves to be treated equally. One lady at the show had been in Afghanistan and couldn’t walk far, but she wanted to be in that ring. Everyone should have the chance to feel what we feel when we enter a show; the buzz, the way you feel when you win a rosette. Reading the emails from people saying thank you for giving them or their children something they’d never been able to give; I was in tears all week.”

Mr Hoppitt told H&H: ‘The initial call from Andrea, our local feed supplier, to include a para ring was a breath of fresh air. The chance to be involved at the beginning of a much-needed change in the grass roots of the equestrian world. A first step that will make a difference for the disabled community who love horses.

“From the feedback and enquires Andrea has received, the decision was right. After this first one we can help with our riders’ anxiety issues and enter more riders next year. Maybe we can talk Andrea into an RDA carriage driving competition too, another great leveller.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Creating a para dressage World Cup and Nations Cup series could help the sport evolve and offer more opportunities for riders, stakeholders have agreed.

The topics were among items discussed during a sport structure session of the FEI online para dressage forum (18–19 January). The session, attended by 118 delegates, considered issues including how the sport could be developed, proposals around new test names, and introducing rider age rankings. The final session, on 28 January, will consider classification structure.

Bettina de Rham, FEI dressage, para dressage and vaulting director, shared some of the lessons learnt from vaulting, which went through a “similar” change of rules and sport structure in 2011 with the aim of growing the discipline, recognising the athletes competing at the highest level and opening the door to new international-level athletes.

“We saw a significant growth in numbers; events grew by 300%, we saw more continents organising events and we had a great increase in the number of registered athletes. This offered increased opportunities in officiating for our officials so we could have a better education system for them. All in all, this saw a great improvement in the quality of performances at the highest level, which were much more recognised,” she said.

“In addition to this, today vaulting has a World Cup with finals organised together with jumping, dressage and driving. These finals and World Cup series ensure the athletes and the discipline have great exposure. Para equestrian is already in the Paralympics but I still think there is a lot we can do to put our discipline under more spotlights.”

Ms de Rham said the para dressage technical committee will work on a proposed format for a potential World Cup series and said the committee will “benefit” from the learnings of other disciplines, adding that it is “paramount” to have a format that is not too long, to fit well in the sports programme of an indoor event.

David Hamer, FEI para equestrian committee member and British Equestrian head of performance pathways, discussed proposals around the introduction of a Nations Cup series, which he believes is the “next evolution” of the sport.

“We’ve got some great lessons to learn from the series in showjumping, eventing and dressage, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the sport by having a formal team competition series,” he said.

“It gives us opportunities not only to look at sponsorship but media attention as well, which can only be good for promoting the profile of the sport and the riders and countries participating.”

Mr Hamer added that a Nations Cup series would give riders who are new to championships an opportunity to ride in a team competition and gain experience in big atmospheres, before they go to Europeans, World Championships or Paralympics.

“There is a massive area here that we could use to test new combinations, that could be riders on younger horses and younger or developing riders coming through, their first exposure in a proper team environment,” he said. “It has a massive opportunity for developing and educating our combinations for championships.”

“If we go up to a CPEDIO4* status we’re raising the bar; at the moment our bar is at three-star and raising it to four-star gives us much more opportunity to test our established combinations and promote the level of technical skill and ability of those competing at a Nations Cup. It could be that the qualification criteria mirrors what we have at Paralympic Games, which we have raised for Paris 2024, so it will be the next step in building the sport for the future where we can use the atmosphere and environment a Nations Cup will provide.”

Feedback from the delegates around launching a World Cup and Nations Cup series was positive, with Paralympic medal-winning rider Sanne Voets stating she believed a World Cup would bring “a lot of opportunities” for the sport and riders and would like to see it embedded in the existing format and events for the dressage World Cup.

British FEI five-star para dressage judge John Robinson said he believed a Nations Cup would increase the profile of para dressage and increase inclusivity in the sport. Dani Fraillon, chair of Equestrian Australia’s high performance para equestrian panel, said a Nations Cup and World Cup would increase the opportunity for para riders to have a voice.

“We need to look at who we have in the sport who can be champions of it, which would give us enormous opportunities for sponsorship and furthering the sport,” Ms Fraillon said. She added that she also works with Australian wheelchair tennis player Dylan Alcott, and that what he has done for his sport had been “extraordinary” in raising the profile of quad and wheelchair tennis, by speaking about the sport to people who would not necessarily know about it.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A para rider who has raised thousands for charity by pushing herself to her limits and beyond said being told she was not disabled as she rides horses “absolutely broke me”.

Kirstie McPherson’s medical conditions mean she suffers frequent dislocations, twisting limbs and periods of blindness and paralysis. She has connective tissue disorder Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS), neurological disorder generalised dystonia, and suffers with hemiplegic migraines.

Despite this, she has raised thousands of pounds for the air ambulance with a 51-mile trek on Dartmoor, riding part of it with a dislocated knee, part blind in one eye, bruised and with broken skin.

So when she became the target of bullying; shouted abuse, cars blocking her wheelchair access and worse, Kirstie told H&H: “I was devastated.

“My horses are all that keep me going; they make me get out of bed in the morning, and this stopped me wanting to go to the yard.”

Things had been tough anyway as Kirstie’s loan horse Mimi had been diagnosed with a skeletal issue that meant she had to be retired aged six.

“She’s my everything and to be told she couldn’t be ridden was like losing my best friend,” she said. “Then there were these people; saying how could I be disabled when I rode, and that they’d seen me running two years ago so I couldn’t be disabled. I’ve never been able to run with my children because I can’t do it. That’s what was so hurtful. You can’t say things like that to people.”

Kirstie wanted to point out, as has been said before, that not all disabilities and illnesses are visible, and that people may be struggling under the weight of burdens no one else can see.

“To say ‘How can you be disabled if you ride’; I was a bit stunned,” she said. “Have they not heard of the Paralympics?

“It’s about people’s perception. Sir Lee Pearson put up a video of how he is got on to a horse the other day and I was in shock. You just see this fantastic rider and lovely person, you don’t think about how he gets on his horse; you never see the challenges people have to face.”

But there have been positives for Kirstie too. Wow saddles got in touch after her ride to say they would sponsor her, an offer that stood even after Mimi had to be retired.

“The director sent me a lovely email saying ‘I’m sorry to hear about your dear friend’, and that the offer was there if I found another horse,” Kirstie said.

“Then my friend heard of someone who’d bred a horse to event but she was a bit small. We drove up to see her and she’s only 14.3hh but I jumped on her, went round the gallops and thought ‘She’s the one’. For me to get on a strange horse and gallop it — but it was Mimi who gave me that confidence back.”

Dashy came home, and was fitted with her Wow saddle, and Kirstie is now planning two more fundraising rides this year.

“I want to highlight to people that it’s what you can do, not what you can’t, that matters,” she said. “If my disability gives me one thing, it’s the power to help other people, by fundraising for a charity all of us might need one day, and I won’t stop for the likes of those disgusting people.”

Kirstie said she had never come across disability discrimination before and the bullying “made me feel suicidal”.

“Every day, I have to deal with not knowing if I’m going to wake up blind or paralysed,” she said. “People don’t realise what my kids have to do to care for me. Horses are the one thing that brings me peace and a reason to get up, and they made it feel like there was some sordid thing behind it.

“I won’t be a high-flying dressage or endurance rider, or go to the Paralympics, but I can help other people, and I’m going to keep going until I really can’t do it any more.”

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A rider who was told she would not walk again and was put on the waiting list for amputation after she shattered her leg in a fall hopes her journey to showjumping success may help others in dark places.

Rachel Davis lost everything when she was injured five years ago; her job, the home that came with it and her horse. She spent a year immobile, with a circular frame on her leg, and in emergency council accommodation.

This year, she has jumped at the British Showjumping National Championships, and the Dodson & Horrell national amateur and veteran championships, and she has plans to go further.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” she said. “And we’re still on it; who knows where we will go.”

Rachel had ridden since childhood but only seriously in her late teens, after which she bought her first horse Harvey. She had always wanted to work in the industry, so left her job as a chef, and her home, to move into and work at a showing yard.

About a month into the job, she was mounting her first ride of the day when everything changed.

“I had just put my foot in the stirrup when I heard galloping from an adjoining field,” she said. “All the horses had been turned out and were off, and the pony I was mounting reared up vertically.

“I landed on my feet, or on one foot. If I hadn’t broken anything, it would have been quite spectacular but I completely shattered my leg; doctors told me it was doomed.”

Rachel was taken to hospital and put on the waiting list for amputation, as she was told she would not walk on the leg again.

“I think I must have been in complete shock,” she said. “When I think about it now, it’s the most awful feeling but all I remember is feeling numb, and wanting to get out of hospital; I didn’t really take in what was going on, but I was just left nailed and bolted together for days.”

Rachel says she does not know how or why the plan changed but she was moved to the Bristol Royal Infirmary and her leg put in a spatial frame; an external device with pins to hold it together, which stayed in place for over a year.

“It was brutal, barbaric,” she said. “I couldn’t drive and couldn’t do anything. I’d lost everything as I’d given up my home for the job, so I was looking at being put in a bedsit. Someone I know’s parents, who I’d never met, invited me to stay for a bit, which was great, and I got back to Somerset and ended up in emergency housing. I had no money and no way of earning any. The whole time with the frame on was the worst time of my life, I don’t know how I got through it.”

Eventually, the frame came off and Rachel had surgery to fuse her ankle, which made a huge improvement, although she has been left with issues as she cannot move her foot when riding, for example. She was given a council flat, and eventually, when she was paid compensation for the accident, was able to move out and move on.

She got her horse Harvey back, who had been with a friend while she was injured, but “it was like he wasn’t my horse any more”, she said, and she gave him to her friend to keep.

“But good things have come out of the situation,” Rachel said, adding that she came back to a point where she could look for a horse to buy, with a very limited budget.

“My friend had told me about a dressage horse, who hadn’t been ridden for some time; a sassy chestnut mare who didn’t get on with her owner,” she said. “I got talking to the owner and said no, as I couldn’t take on a horse I didn’t know if I could ride, but I couldn’t walk away. I went to see her and she was running round on the lunge, and I thought ‘Oh my god, this horse is mad’, but I bought her anyway. And the first time I rode her, she bucked me off.”

Rachel persisted, and took KWPN mare Benate (Ruby) to dressage competitions.

“But she absolutely hated dressage!” she said. “Then by chance, I was in the arena and someone had left a cross-pole up, and I thought I’d give it a go. She jumped it, changed legs, came round and jumped it again and people were looking at each other saying ‘She’s a jumper’. That was the start of our journey.”

It was not the most straightforward path, Rachel said, they were eliminated again and again at first until Rachel had a bad fall at a show, tearing ligaments in her foot, after which somehow, things clicked.

“But after that, we were flying,” she said. “We started doing so well, I decided to buy another horse.”

That horse was Dreamgirl, another KWPN mare, with whom Rachel has also enjoyed success. Both mares qualified for their grands prix at the amateur championships at Aintree last month, and both were placed in the para class at the nationals. Ruby has since been winning at 1.10m level.

“I’d never jumped in my life before the accident,” Rachel said. “So good things have come out of it; I don’t think I would have jumped otherwise, or had the ambition to go out and do it. It was all down to Ruby as she chose this, and I thank her so much for it.”

Rachel now hopes to step up to jump some bigger tracks, and would love to represent Britain in para showjumping one day, and she wants to help others who may have similar ambitions.

“I’m sure there are lots of riders who don’t understand how to become registered as a para rider, or if they can do it,” she said. “Para showjumping I’m sure would love more members and it’s so easy; you go on to the British Dressage website and fill in the form, then get graded, then you can go on to jump. I think some people might be intimidated by the thought of going affiliated so I want to spread the word and give people confidence that they can do it. I’m so grateful to the Bristol Royal Infirmary, and for waiting lists, as without that one, I’d have lost my leg.”

Rachel also hoped her comeback might help anyone currently recovering from an injury or health issue, whether mental or physical.

“I was in a state of despair in my recovery and didn’t think I’d do anything again,” she said. “But it all turned round and worked out. It’s been amazing and it shows; it took a lot to pick myself up, and get fit again, but you keep pushing through the barriers, keep getting up and going.

“A dog really helps, as it’s a commitment to go out, and the determination and want to do it. ‘I’m going to prove everyone wrong’ has been in my mind all the time; I wanted to show everyone I could do it. I show the doctors my jumping pictures and they say I’m mad but they’re happy, they said it was a miracle.

“Since this, I’ve wanted to inspire others, that you can battle on and come through something that bad; whatever it is, you can battle through and come out the other side; you just have to try.”

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Equestrianism provides the most para sport opportunities in the UK, new research by disability charity Leonard Cheshire has suggested.

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is largely behind this, providing access to horses for more than 25,000 people with the help of 18,000 volunteers and coaches.

The research looked at para sport clubs in the UK, what they offered and their geographic location. It found that almost 500 (16%) of the 3,149 clubs listed on participation campaign Parasport’s website were connected to equestrian sport and that clubs were well spread across the country, including urban areas. For example, there is an average of 13 clubs within 10 miles of every London postcode.

“Great Britain’s Paralympic success in para dressage is in no small part thanks to RDA,” said RDA communications manager Caroline Ward.

“Indeed, several of this year’s team heading out to Tokyo started their careers at their local RDA group. Our reach across the UK offers young people and adults the opportunity to take up horse riding and carriage driving to achieve a personal goal – be that for therapy or fun. And for some that goal means a gold medal or two!

“We are very grateful to Leonard Cheshire for looking into this and highlighting the reach of RDA groups across the UK. We are often located in more rural areas, where the provision of other activities may be quite limited, enabling us to inspire and support more disabled people into equestrian sport.”

The research comes days ahead of the opening ceremony for the 2021 Paralympic Games. Of the 98 gold medals won at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympics, 12% were in equestrian events. A strong British contingent has arrived in Tokyo ahead of this year’s Games, with the aim of adding further medals to that total.

“Through our extensive work within the disabled community, we have been able to see what a huge impact accessible clubs, sports and other life opportunities can have,” said Leonard Cheshire chief executive Ruth Owen.

“Charities like Leonard Cheshire can play their part in providing and promoting the opportunities out there. We’d also urge clubs to [register] on the Parasport website. It’s a vital resource for young disabled athletes inspired by the Paralympics.”

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A new format for the para dressage competition at the Paralympic Games will be in effect in Tokyo (26-30 August).

The order and way in which the three sets of medals will be decided and the format of the team competition are the two major changes since Rio 2016. It now follows a similar, but not identical, format to that used at other para dressage championships since the last Paralympics.

1. All equestrian teams across both the Paralympic and Olympic disciplines will feature just three horse and rider combinations, instead of four, meaning there will be no drop score and all three scores from the team test will count towards the team results.

2. Another major change from Rio 2016 is the order and way in which the medals are decided. In Rio, the team medals were decided on combinations’ performance in both the individual and team test. In Tokyo, only the three riders’ scores from the team test will count towards the final team result, as happens at other senior championships.

3. A total of 78 horse/rider combinations across five grades are expected to take part in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

4. A set of medals is awarded in each grade for the individual, team and freestyle competitions.

5. Before the competition starts, all horses must first pass a veterinary inspection (25 August). This is not marked as part of the competition itself, it is rather a check to make sure all horses are fit to compete ahead of the opening competition.

6. There are no travelling reserves for the para dressage competition at the Tokyo Paralympics. But for those nations who are bringing four combinations, changes can be made to the line-up of three combinations that will contest the team test up to two hours before the start of the team test competition.

Individual competition

7. The individual competition is now the first class competitors will contest. It takes place over the first two days of the para dressage schedule at the Games (26-27 August). Nations that have qualified a team for the Games can send a maximum of four and a minimum of three combinations. All four horses and riders from each nation, plus individuals who are there without a team, will take part in this first medal-winning contest. The individual medals are decided on combinations’ performance in this test alone.

Team competition

8. Once the individual medals are decided, nations will then name the three combinations that will go forward to compete in the team test, which takes place over two days (28-29 August).

9. Team medals are decided on all three combinations’ performance in the team test alone.

10. Teams must include at least one rider from grades I, II or III and they can include a maximum of two riders from the same grade.

11. The team test – which is ridden individually by each competitor, rather than all three members in the arena at the same time – is a set test that will be accompanied by music. It is not to be confused with the “freestyle”, sometimes called “dressage to music”, which is a different part of the competition.

Freestyle

12. The final competition that makes up para dressage at the Games is the freestyle. This is the third and final medal-winning opportunity for competitors and takes place on 30 August.

13. The top eight competitors in each grade, based on the results of the individual competition, will go forward to contest the freestyle.

Other useful information

14. Competitors are given marks out of 10 for each movement. They are also given collective scores at the end of a test for the overall impression, with marks for riding and horses’ way of going.

15. Para dressage riders are allowed extra aids, depending on their disability and classification.

16. Errors of course are penalised by marks being deducted. A third error of course results in elimination.

17. If a rider is eliminated in one test, they may still compete in other classes that they are eligible for at the Games.

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A para rider who suffers frequent dislocations and periods of blindness and paralysis has completed an epic 51-mile trek across Dartmoor to raise funds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.

Grade IV para rider Kirstie McPherson, who has connective tissue disorder Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) and neurological disorder generalised dystonia, completed the three-day trek on Monday (19 July) with two friends.

She told H&H she rode a mile and a half with a dislocated knee on day one — having to bite on her water bottle as it was put back in as “I didn’t want to scream in front of the others” — and lost the sight in one eye on the second day owing to a hemiplegic migraine.

She suffered an allergic reaction to the tape used on her relocated knee, bruised her eye when she hit it on a door she could not see on the second night, and her fragile skin broke in “areas you can’t imagine”.

“But it was 100% worth it,” she said.

“Those were probably the worst bits of the ride, but the biggest down side was coming home; we’re already planning the next one.”

It had been doubtful a week before the ride whether Kirstie would be able to go; her loan mare Mimi “had an argument with a tree” during a ride in the woods, thinking she and her rider could fit under a branch that was too low, and Kirstie came off backwards.

She hit her head and lost her sight temporarily but after eight and a half hours in hospital, was allowed home.

“All I could think was ‘oh my god, they’re not going to let me go on my ride’,” said Kirstie.

“I burst into tears and one of the nurses said ‘I bet it’s really scary’, and I said ‘No, I don’t want to miss my ride!’ I’ve spent four months training for this and I didn’t want to let everyone down.”

Kirstie’s determination meant she, coach Emily Lyndon and endurance rider Vicky Bartlett set out as planned, leaving early on Saturday morning and finishing on Monday afternoon.

“It was magical,” Kirstie said. “The views, the friendships made, the gallops, and Mimi was absolutely amazing, she didn’t put a foot wrong.

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“People keep saying it was my charity ride but it wasn’t; I couldn’t have done it without Vicky planning it and being amazing, the support of Emily and her parents, Vicky’s husband and sons being our support crew. It was a team effort.

Donate to Kirstie’s page

“And Mimi blew me away. I loved her from the moment I saw her but the confidence I’ve built with her on this ride is amazing. She showed me her beautiful heart over and over again, and as a para rider, the most important thing is to have that bond. She blew me away.”

Kirstie is planning a longer ride next summer, to raise funds for the Devon and Cornwall air ambulances.

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A rider whose medical conditions means she suffers frequent dislocations, twisting limbs and periods of blindness and paralysis is planning a 50-mile fundraising ride across Dartmoor.

Grade IV para rider Kirstie McPherson has connective tissue disorder Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) and neurological disorder generalised dystonia. She also suffers with hemiplegic migraines.

This July, Covid restrictions permitting, she will ride her recently backed loan horse Mimosa on the trek, which is expected to take three days, in aid of the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. She has aleady raised more than £1,100 on her fundraising page.

Mother of six Kirstie told H&H she was only diagnosed with the dystonia six years ago, but this did not fully explain her varied symptoms.

“Then one day, I was standing there talking to a client and my leg fell out,” she said. “It shot out and went backwards; great impression to give a client!”

With no idea what had happened, Kirstie was taken to hospital.

“It took 30 minutes for the ambulance to get there and the pain was excruciating,” she said.

“The funniest moment was when I opened my eyes and someone said ‘You can stop screaming now’!”

As doctors tried to find out what had caused such a severe hip dislocation, they were also unsure whether Kirstie would walk again.

She cites her “superhero”surgeon as the driving force behind her recovery, but the incident also led finally to her EDS diagnosis.

“I was very lucky while I was in hospital,” Kirstie said. “I felt life was a bit rubbish, and thought ‘What if I can’t walk again?’ and more importantly, would I be able to ride? It makes my doctor laugh that I always say not ‘Can I walk’ but ‘Can I ride my horse?’”

The Rio Paralympics were also on television while Kirstie was in hospital.

“There was one rider who had no pelvis,” she said. “She was amazing, and I thought if she can do it, I’ve got absolutely no excuse. Watching her was a great inspiration.”

Kirstie contacted multiple para dressage medallist Lee Pearson to thank him also for inspiring her, and he replied, and eventually travelled to Cornwall to teach her.

Kirstie had to learn to ride again, without the use of her left leg. A few years, she undertook a 13-mile sponsored ride to buy a defibrillator for her local Riding for the Disabled Association centre, for which she was a trustee.

“Two hours in, both my knees dislocated but not being a defeatist, and knowing the reason I was there, I finished,” she said. “My husband had to lift me off my horse and my kids relocated my knees as my husband sorted my horse. I made around £900 that day and the Lions Club, hearing my achievement, paid the rest so the centre got its defibrillator. I think they were worried about me dislocating anything else!”

The memory of that gruelling ride means Kirstie knows how hard this summer’s ride will be, but she is determined to raise money for the air ambulance, from which she and friends have benefited in the past.

She will be riding her “beautiful giraffe” Mimosa, on loan from Mandy Edwards, whom she went to view as her mare Connie had had an injury, and Kirstie wanted to compete in dressage, which Connie did not like.

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She had not expected to take on a 16hh unbacked youngster, but when she first met “Mimi”, “she put her head down, looked into my eyes and I thought ‘I love you’. And that was that.”

Kirstie said she is “slightly nervous” but looking forward to the ride, which she hopes will highlight the work of the Para Equestrian Foundation and promote para endurance, as well as raising as much money as possible.

“I look to set challenges for myself every day,” she added. “I think it’s a good way of life; life’s not what you can’t do, it’s what you can do that matters.

“Life is a challenge, and you can sit on your backside and think it’s horrible, and yes it can be, but it’s what you make it. You can find something positive in every day, if you look hard enough.”

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Para showjumping and hidden disability campigner Evie Toombes has already achieved a great deal, despite only being 19 years old.

Evie was born with a form of Spina Bifida, which affects the nerves to her legs, bladder and bowel. She is frequently in and out of hospital and was seriously ill earlier this year, but thanks to her incredible mental strength and determination, she was recently crowned Pikeur amateur rider of the decade at the H&H Awards.

While speaking to H&H magazine editor Pippa Roome in this week’s episode of the Horse & Hound Podcast, Evie reveals how horses help her to stay positive and overcome her challenges.

“It was my neurosurgeon, who did my spinal surgery, who encouraged my mum to let me ride,” explains Evie of how her love of horses manifested itself. “He said ‘just plonk her on a horse, get her riding, get her doing something she loves and some exercise — it’ll be the best thing for her’. Since then we haven’t really looked back.”

Continued below…

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Some clever advice from Evie’s mother helped set her off on her competitive equestrian career.

“‘Find a way, not an excuse’ is my life’s motto and it’s kept me pushing through. Growing up I was always falling off and I was scared to jump — I would much rather be in the stable, grooming my pony.

“But it was when I got poorlier that I wanted to achieve something and have a bit of value in myself, so mum suggested that I start writing blogs for medical companies who made the types of products I was using. I did and they paid me for it, so mum said ‘great, now you can go to a show and buy your entries with the money’.

“Both writing and then being able to go out and compete gave me a sense of achievement and made everything worthwhile, and since then it’s become a bit of an addiction.”

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As told to Kate Johnson

Evie Toombes, para showjumper and disability campaigner, on living with an invisible illnesses, her accidental foray into grand prix and meeting Prince Harry…

I classified as a para rider six years ago, aged 12. I was the youngest in the UK and the first to be registered as junior. It was just after one of my main surgeries; I was lost. I had no school friends because I’d missed so much time.

I went to horses for comfort and a pick-me-up. I wanted something that gave me value, that I could enjoy, that made all the months in hospital worthwhile. That’s exactly what it did. Even as things got more complicated with my health, horses have been the constant.

I was born with spina bifida; there’s a fatty tumour wrapped around the nerves to my legs, bladder and bowel at the base of my spinal cord. All of that means tube feeding, four hours of treatment each night for my gut, I catheterise every three hours, wear night splints and do two hours of physio a day. I’m attached to tubes for sometimes 24 hours a day. If I’m riding, it’s 23 hours, and I’m no longer a patient for those 60 minutes.

After I had neurosurgery at about 18 months, Mum asked the surgeon, “How much do I let her do? Should we wrap her in cotton wool?” He said, “Let her live her life.” He knew Mum had horses and he did too. He said, “Get her riding a pony bareback. It’ll help her legs and back. If she falls off, plonk her back on.” It was literally doctor’s orders to get me to live my life to the full.

I’d been doing OK in British Showjumping. But after a round when my feet were slipping from my stirrups and I couldn’t kick – I can’t feel my legs below the knee – a course-builder said, “You could be registered as a para showjumper and get some help, like capped stirrups so your feet don’t go through, and compete in para classes.”

I thought I wasn’t disabled enough, but my local RDA said, in the nicest way, “You definitely are.” When you’re always trying to fight it and encourage yourself to get out there, you don’t realise how much you’re struggling. If you admitted it you’d probably give in to it.

Growing up I was convinced I was the only disabled person on the planet; I looked normal so no one understood why I was exhausted and throwing up. I wanted to explain but I hate the whole pity party; I want encouragement.

Competing at Pferd International in 2018 was a wonderful achievement. Sarah Wicks, a fellow para, travelled my mare Daisy over there for me; she helped my dreams come true. We were third on the first day.

On the last day, we were going clear in the jump-off in the main international arena and we turned inside a 1.50m grand prix fence. Daisy, loving the atmosphere, locked on to it, jumped and cleared it, and carried on with our para 90cm course. It was the best elimination ever!

The past year’s been turbulent; my health took the biggest dive yet. We were quite scared – I had no strength, we lost a lot of hope. Even then, I’d sit in the car half asleep while Mum tacked Daisy up and put me on – I’d ride round the village holding on to my saddle. Daisy can go from an all-guns-blazing competition horse to “I’ll look after you” donkey mode.

I visit primary schools to educate younger people on invisible illnesses. Being poorly you feel judged, worried about upsetting people or asking too much, so I wanted to shed a positive light; I’m a para showjumper and chronically ill.

I won a WellChild award; it’s a charity for seriously ill children and Prince Harry is a patron. I met him and Meghan the summer they were married, it was a pinnacle. We joked about gingers being fantastic, Daisy being a chestnut, and Meghan said she’d seen my blog. It was amazing to hear how enthusiastic they were.

Para showjumping is slowly making its way to the Paralympics; I’d love to see myself there. If I’m not on a horse, I’ll definitely be there cheering everyone else on.

H&H 22 October 2020

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Renowned international Paralympic coach Clive Milkins, who most notably trained Sophie Christiansen to six Paralympic titles, currently works with Equestrian Canada as technical advisor for their para dressage high performance programme.

During the lockdown, I have realised that many para athletes seem to have been able to cope better with the pandemic than some of their able-bodied counterparts. Having overcome so much, para riders are tough and very good at putting things in perspective. And they’re determined not to be beaten by something like coronavirus.

Talking to my para friends in the UK and across the world, I’ve noticed that most of them have a very similar attitude – leaving the health services to do their job, staying safe and keeping out of the way, while getting on with something else.

Para riders are much more accustomed to their lives being disrupted, whether that’s by illness or injury, and in typical fashion most of them have redirected their energy into other projects during this time.

It’s those who can adapt who will thrive this year, and I don’t know a para rider who can’t adapt. We always say that para riders don’t have problems – they have challenges, and because their bodies don’t function as they should, they have to learn to be much more analytical than other riders, and find different ways around these challenges.

This pandemic is just another challenge we have to face, and while to us sport is the most important thing on earth, in the real world it isn’t. I think para riders have been quicker than most to come to terms with the idea of pressing the pause button for six months or so, and using this time wisely.

Swapping the years

Personally, I have been spending my time over the past few months learning how to do webinars, writing stacks of articles, doing lots of gardening – and rescuing a puppy.

I have also tried to think about what I would have been doing in 2021, after the Paralympics in Tokyo were over, and the answer is that I would have been starting to plan for the 2024 Games. So, I decided to turn 2020 into 2021 and vice versa and get on with all that planning this year – doing a straight flip of the years strikes me as not being a big drama.

I can get quite obsessed with statistics – maybe it comes from my time training Sophie Christiansen, who is a statistician. But I’ve taken the time to sit down with all the results and scores from the past four years, and track everything from individuals’ strengths and weaknesses to gap analysis – looking at what separates us from our rivals.

As much as I love the artistic element of dressage there are a lot of hard facts and stats involved in our sport – it’s a bit like maths in that freak occurrences are relatively rare.

As Canada’s technical advisor, I’ve looked at every Canadian rider’s test sheet from the past five internationals, working out their averages and looking at how we can change up various management aspects, from veterinary areas to physiotherapy or specific riding skills.

In fact, now we have all had to learn to use new online communication platforms, like Zoom, even though I am in the UK I have had more contact with the Canadian athletes than I would have done ordinarily, and I have been able to spend more time with them in a non-pressurised situation, which has helped us all understand one another better.

I’ll be a better coach

Lockdown has actually been a very valuable experience for me. I know I will go into Tokyo in 2021 stronger as a coach having had these months of being able really to assess what is important, what works well and what my goals are.

As a trainer, I think in terms of using every Paralympics as a rehearsal for the next. With Sophie Christiansen, we went to Athens in 2004 somewhat naively, and she won a bronze medal. By Hong Kong in 2008 we knew we could win medals, and we were already looking ahead to London 2012. So for me, Tokyo is a rehearsal for Paris in 2024, a way to see if my system is working.

Ultimately sport is about the journey, the quest, and that never stops.

H&H, 13 August 2020

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The International Paralympic Committee has pledged to focus on classification to keep up with the growth of the movement around the world

Improving classification is to be a “top priority” over the next two years, a leading figure in para sport has pledged.

Classification underpins para dressage, with riders allocated one of five grades depending on their physical ability. The FEI spells out the criteria for each grade in para dressage, which is underpinned by the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) international standard for physical impairments.

This means any changes by the IPC could affect both individual riders and para dressage as a whole.

“As a board, we know more can be done to further develop classification,” said IPC president Andrew Parsons at the organisation’s general assembly in Bonn (26 to 27 October). “We cannot continue what we’ve been doing for the past 20 years as the movement has grown and moved on a lot.”

That change is not likely to happen ahead of Tokyo 2020, but could be started by the end of next year.

The IPC governing board has committed to consultation on timelines for changes to the classification rules for sports on the Paralympic programme. This will start following the extraordinary general assembly in December 2020.

Eight-time Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Christiansen told H&H a review of the rules would be a positive step.

“Classification is quite a taboo subject,” she said, adding that a review of the current rules, as well as more transparency and an improved way of querying classification decisions, could benefit the sport.

“Only the rider and the classifier will know the full extent of the disability and the classifier is in the best place to make the decision around classification. But it is still quite subjective and that is what worries me.

“Since 2012, there has been a massive influx of para riders, which is amazing and really what we want as a sport. But I’m not sure the classification system can keep up.”

Sophie added she is not “pointing fingers” and wants to work with the relevant organisations to help move the sport forwards, which she has been doing as part of her role on a classification advisory group for the British Paralympic Association.

She also stressed her concerns with the current system are not to do with who she personally may be competing against, but for the benefit of the sport’s future.

“This is not about me; this is about wanting to protect grade one because these riders [who cannot compete above walk] have nowhere else to go,” she said. “We have to compete in para classes or nothing.

“Throughout my whole career, I have competed against grade one classified riders who can trot and canter in able-bodied competitions. Obviously in grade one we only compete at walk and that, in my mind, doesn’t make any sense.”

Triple European para dressage gold medallist Suzanna Hext told H&H she wonders whether different sports could learn from each other’s classification process.

Suzanna is also a medal-winning para swimmer, taking silver and bronze at the World Championships this year.

“I was quite surprised at the difference between the two processes,” she said. “I found swimming took into account the way you move in the water a lot more than riding considers how you move on the horse.”

She added it is a tricky subject, because a person’s skill and talent on a horse or in the water is a different matter to their physical disability.

“It is always going to be a tough subject,” she said. “Classification is a gruelling process whichever sport you go through as you are putting your body under pressure. Swimming had a massive look at its system after Rio and I don’t think that was necessarily a bad thing.”

Suzanna was classified as S5 of the 14 grades in swimming in January. In 2018, she went through reclassification for para dressage, where she was moved to a more impaired grade (from grade three to grade two).

“Of course, you do want it to be a fair and level playing field as far as is possible, but there are always going to be differences between one end of the grade to the other,” she said.

“The classifiers don’t have an easy job. I found it tough when I was reclassified from a grade three to a grade two, as I want to be doing the harder movements.

“It is something that needs to be looked at, even if just for the assurance to athletes that the process has been reviewed and it is solid.”

H&H 14 November 2019

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A showjumper who returned to competition after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) hopes to inspire others to “keep trying”.

Laura Goodall, 24, from Shropshire, started suffering from unexplained symptoms in October 2014.

“When I was jumping I would get blurred vision and when my core temperature got warm my muscles would go weak and I would fall off for no reason. At times I struggled to walk and I began having panic attacks,” Laura told H&H.

“Things got worse and worse – when you get stressed your symptoms can get worse so it got to the stage I would be falling over or dropping things – I couldn’t even tack a horse up. My last show was in July 2015 and I had a massive panic attack at a county show in front of a load of people and decided that was enough. I stopped riding completely in the end because things got so dangerous.”

In October 2015 Laura was diagnosed with MS after almost 100 blood tests during the previous year and a MRI scan.

“It felt like everything had crumbled and couldn’t be fixed or get better. It felt like that was it and I thought it’s only going to get worse from here on, I’ll be in a wheelchair and unable to ride again,” said Laura.

“The doctors didn’t want me on any treatment for a year because they had to judge how many relapses I was having. I had five, which is quite severe in terms of MS – some people only have one relapse in 10 years. A relapse is different every time and tends to last me six to eight weeks at a time – I’ve had one where I can’t feel from my knees down or one side goes weak and I get constant pins and needles, I’ve gone blind in one eye for eight weeks. The doctors had seen enough and I was started on medication in summer 2016.”

Laura returned to riding that summer.

“Riding felt horrible to start with – I really struggled,” said Laura. “The movement of the horse was horrendous, I couldn’t trot and would fall off the side. If I was hacking and heard a noise I couldn’t turn my head to have a look at what it was or I’d completely lose my balance.

“Once further into my treatment it all got a little bit better, things calmed down and I got it under control and it was nice to be back riding.”

Laura started jumping again in October 2017 and started competing in para showjumping in 2018.

“My first show was October 2017 – I just decided ‘I want to go to a show and I’m going to do it’, so I did. I was so happy I cried out my eyes out when I came out of the ring because I hadn’t fallen off and nothing had gone wrong, I was so happy,” she said.

“I carried on competing and in 2018 I took Nessa to my first para show. Nessa is quite unpredictable and proved her point there and threw me off so I only got halfway round.”

After retiring Nessa from showjumping and putting her in foal, Laura bought seven-year-old mare Suzie in 2018 who she hopes to continue showjumping with.

“Nessa has been fantastic but she’s not a very suitable para-horse, she is so exciteable. She can be a lot of effort between fences and very unpredictable which would make me really warm and I can struggle to hold on to her. I decided to get something I could stop if I needed to and who would be a bit kinder to me,” said Laura.

“I have been classified as grade III for para showjumping and plan to do both para and able-bodied. My aim is to go to all the para shows this year and it would be nice to go on the international circuit. I just hope I don’t have another relapse which stops me competing. The doctors say to move your muscles and do as much exercise as you can to keep things at bay, I ride as much as I can and have a personal trainer twice a week and I see my chiropractor once a week which has been a massive help. The more training I do, the better my muscles get which helps in the ring if they do get a bit weak, as at least they’re a bit stronger to begin with.”

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Laura hopes to inspire other riders who are thinking about para riding.

“I’m a very determined person so the more I did, the more I wanted to try. I had got to the stage where I thought I’ll never compete again and people said ‘you don’t need to compete, look at what you’ve done and think of the memories’ – that was hard to accept,” said Laura.

“Since sharing my story I’ve had people message me asking how I’ve kept going and asking about para riding – I had no one to speak to at the time so it’s nice to speak to people and help them. If you really want to do it, and it’s something you love, keep trying – don’t let something beat you. I was told it’s impossible and it’s not going to happen but I’ve made it happen, if you work hard enough you’ll get there, don’t let things get the better of you.”

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Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Wells has added an exciting trio of horses to her string.

Dime, a 10-year-old Westenwind mare, arrived at Sophie’s Lincolnshire yard from Holland just under two weeks ago and is currently training at grand prix.

“She’s so talented for the piaffe and pirouettes, though still needs to get stronger in some of her other work,” said Sophie, who trained her Rio Paralympic partner Valerius up to grand prix before the gelding was diagnosed with a suspensory injury in both hind legs in January this year.

“It’s a bit different having a horse who has already been trained to that level as normally I start them myself. It’s all about figuring out which buttons to push, and getting her stronger so she can lift herself.”

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Although Sophie hadn’t specifically been hunting for a new grand prix ride, she has been on the lookout for some time for a horse to act as a back-up for her top ride, World Equestrian Games para team hopeful, C Fatal Attraction.

“I wasn’t expecting a grand prix horse to come along, but then again opportunities tend not to arise when you’re looking for them,” grade V rider Sophie told H&H.

“There’s no fixed plan for Dime – we’ll see how she comes on and do whatever we feel she needs. She may do some para competition to help get her stronger, as that has really helped the others. Because you’re not pushing them to perform the higher level movements [grade V tests are roughly equivalent to prix st georges level], it gives them a chance to consolidate the basics.”

Also joining Sophie’s string are two younger horses: the five-year-old OFS Diamond Crusader (Loki), bought in partnership with Oakleigh Farm Stud, and already achieving success in young horse ranks, and the Charmeur four-year-old Classic Jillz Geuzenhof (JZ, pictured above), who came from Rebecca Hughes at Classic Dressage, and is now owned by Charlotte Hogg.

“I’ve been looking for a horse since Rio and now three of them have come at once!” said Sophie. “They’re all very different, but all exciting.”

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This week’s edition (10 May) features our full report from Badminton, including in-depth analysis, expert comment, pictures and more. Plus, read our feature on the options for retiring your horse and in this week’s vet clinic we look into the challenges of equine surgery

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A catch ride helped save the day for a young rider at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) championships.

Ronnie Robinson, 12, has a severe visual impairment, but does not let it stop him from enjoying his “love” of showjumping.

Ronnie takes part in para competitions with his veteran pony Ardcarrig Snowball, who has been in his family for 13 years.

He travelled from Norfolk to Hartpury in Gloucestershire for the championships on 14 July.

However, on arrival it was found that the pony’s flu jab had been given days too early under the competition’s rules.

Ronnie’s mother Karen Robinson told H&H he was “devastated”.

Several people offered ponies for Ronnie to ride and he clicked with the “fantastic” Mr Pebbles.

“They flew around the course and I had my heart in my mouth,” said Karen, who calls for Ronnie in the ring so he knows where the fences are.

The round secured the victory for Ronnie in the grade IV jumping, and Mr Pebbles shone further by coming second with his usual rider, Evie Toombes (pictured, below), in the grade III competition.

Evie was presented with the inaugural Hannah Francis Award for talent, courage and inspiration in April.

The 15-year-old was born with a form of spina bifida, which affects her lower legs, bladder and bowel.

She continues to ride and compete despite the challenges she faces, and also supports and mentors other young people to have the confidence to take up activities.

Evie’s mother Caroline Toombes told H&H Mr Pebbles had been lent to Evie by some close friends.

“Mr Pebbles is immense fun as he loves his job and has a forgiving nature — a perfect combination for any child — if Carlsberg made ponies, it would be him,” she said.

She added that Evie was adamant Ronnie should ride the pony if he felt confident, so a quick phone call to the owners in Ireland gave Ronnie his chance to compete.

“It was incredible to witness Ronnie being guided round the course by his mum in the centre and Mr Pebbles trying to help,” she said.

“I cannot stress enough what a huge achievement that was for Ronnie and shows his depth of determination with this wonderful pony.”

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At Evie’s previous para showjumping competition, Ms Robinson had given her the ride on a pony belonging to Ronnie’s sister to help build her confidence after a fall.

“Incidents like this show what the sport and people involved are all about,” said Ms Toombes.

Evie added she was “so pleased” to see Ronnie and Mr Pebbles get on so well.

“He’s such a genuine pony who tries his best every time you ride him, so I knew he would take care of Ronnie,” she told H&H.

“Ronnie was not only incredibly brave jumping on a pony he had never ridden before, but also rode a perfect round under such pressure and stress.

“Pebbles was amazing as always that day — I’m so pleased he was suitable for Ronnie and he was able to compete successfully — he really did deserve to have such a successful show after the morning he had had.

“Although we all had our hearts in our mouths, Pebbles will always look after his rider and jump what’s in front of him, he’s so special to us all.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Para dressage medallist Ricky Balshaw is coming out of retirement to compete in a World Championship reining qualifier with fellow GBR star Sir Lee Pearson.

Current squad member Lee has won a staggering 11 gold Paralympic dressage medals and this will be his first foray into the world of reining.

Ricky retired from dressage and stepped down from the British squad in May 2016, but will be making a return to the saddle for the first time since on Friday (26 May).

The pair will be competing at the para reining World Championship qualifier at the International Garden of England Spring Show (26-30 May) at Bodiam International Arena in East Sussex.

Ricky told H&H he is looking forward to the weekend.

“I don’t really remember whose idea it was or where it came from — whether it was from the reiners or Lee,” he laughed.

“One minute I’m retired and the next I’m thinking about going to the World Championships!”

The 30-year-old hung up his competition boots almost exactly a year ago saying he was “was getting to the stage where I want different things from life”.

Ricky started competing on the senior British para team at the age of 14.

During his competitive career he won medals at Paralympic, European and World Championship level.

A grade Ib rider, Ricky won freestyle silver at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics with Deacons Georgi.

“There are things I haven’t missed, but obviously there are huge things I have,” he added.

“I miss the people, the horses and the competition side of things.

“Being competitive is something I have missed, so it will be good to do it one more time.”

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This is the first para reining event to be held in the UK.

“I am so excited to welcome Lee and Ricky into the sport of reining,” said organiser Francesca Sternberg.

“I am sure that with such an iconic pair setting the ball rolling for para reining in the UK many more will want to follow.”

The para reining World Championships will be held in Ermelo, the Netherlands, on 4-9 July 2017.

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Tickets to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are now on sale in the UK.

The games will take place in the Brazil capital between 7-18 September with the para dressage competition running from 11-16 September.

The British Paralympic Association (BPA) has appointed Travel Places as its official authorised ticket reseller (ATR) to create travel packages for the games.

The company, which also handles travel operations for the British team, has worked with the BPA at a number of previous games, including Beijing 2008 and Sochi 2014.

Visitors can apply to buy tickets for each sport though the website and also have the option of booking their travel and accommodation with the company.

To book tickets, applicants must fill out a request form that the company will then submit to the Rio 2016 organising committee.

Great Britain has a strong record in Paralympic sport, finishing in the top three on the medals table at the past four games.

Our para dressage riders currently hold the World, European and Paralympic team titles.

They have won the team competition at every Paralympics since the event started in 1996.

At the London 2012 Paralympics, GB riders topped the medal table with five golds, five silvers and one bronze.

In September this year, the team successfully defended their European title at the championships in Deauville, France, and the squad brought home a total of 11 medals.

“It’s incredibly exciting that supporters of the team can now start making their travel plans to Rio for the Paralympic Games next year,” said Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB chef de mission for Rio 2016.

“It promises to be an exciting festival of sport and I’m sure it will prove to be an unforgettable event for athletes and fans alike.

“We are proud of the support that we enjoy from our fans – I’m sure that the other nations will envy the backing that we receive both from the crowds in Brazil and from those watching back at home, and it will provide added motivation for our athletes on the field of play.”

Click here for more information.

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An Essex rider who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident last year is making a “remarkable recovery” and getting back in the saddle.

Kerry Waters, 30, crashed her bike on 27 June 2014 on a country lane. Blinded by sunlight she swerved into a ditch and sliced her leg on a telegraph pole’s wire support.

She was taken in an air ambulance to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London where surgeons were forced to amputate her right leg above the knee.

Ms Waters was then transferred to Southend Hospital for recovery and rehabilitation and, although is still having treatment, has made a remarkable recovery.

“In under a year Kerry is up and walking and has even returned to work as a dental nurse, she is a very inspirational person,” said friend Claire Forcer.

Kerry has ridden since she was two, worked on an Australian stud farm when she was younger and competed at local shows.

She has ridden friend’s horses since the accident with the help of a wooden leg, made by her grandfather, but, she said, it is “not ideal”.

“It’s only for balance, what I need is a prosthetic leg,” she told H&H.

She has now been talking to a company in Dorset that makes custom made prosthetic legs but they cost nearly £60,000.

So far she has raised £10,000, but after the accident, Kerry gave £4,500 to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, which saved her life.

A series of fundraising events are being organised and friends have launched a campaign on social media to help Kerry ride again.

“I want to save up as much as I can and get back into the saddle as soon as possible,” she said. “I’m going to join the local RDA group and became classified for the Paralympics. My dream is to take part.”

Find out more

A friend of Kerry’s will be running the Spartan Race to help her ride again. Find out more and sponsor her: http://www.gofundme.com/k15css

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The past couple of weeks have been crazy! In my last blog we were packing and on our way to Hickstead, with six horses, two lorries, two grooms and our trainer, Angela [Weiss].

Reece (Valerius) contested the para grade IV summer championships, which was also part of our selection for the World Equestrian Games (WEG). He’s had a bit of time off with a few niggles, so we didn’t go into it feeling the most prepared. In fact he was like a fire breathing dragon on the first day of training, so he was clearly feeling better. He got 74% in the team test — a fairly average performance for him — he wasn’t at his best, but he did what he needed to do to win the class.

We worked on his trot for day two to get it more connected and forward while maintaining the cadence. We had torrential rain and a horrible thunderstorm just before I got on; the thunder and lightening felt like it struck one of the stables.

However, Reece is quite use to the rain, and splashing through puddles. Deb Criddle told me seven years ago when I was new to the performance side of the sport: “Use mother nature to your advantage — ride in the rain, wind, hot sun, you don’t know when you will have to during competition”. Very good advice!

Although I thought Reece’s second day of competition was better than the previous, despite the weather, the judges didn’t agree and gave us 69%. But later we checked and the sheet had been added up wrong. So we got 71% — better, but still not what we wanted.

Jorge (C Fatal Attraction, pictured top having a snooze) was super at the show. The more we do, the better our relationship is and our bond is getting stronger. He went well on the first day in the team test to gain 71% and second behind Reece. Then on the second day, he wasn’t so keen on the lake at the C end of the arena or the rest of the arena being fairly under water, which resulted in some understandable tension. However he came out with 69% and the same score as Reece, apart from collectives, which was a bit bizarre!

You live and you learn

I had a tricky show at the Hickstead Premier League. David (Forever Himself) was not a fan of the arena and all the distractions. He was very tense in the prix st georges (PSG) so I decided to retire him in the canter work. It’s not something I do very often, but he got to the point where it was getting worse and it wasn’t fair on him to carry on. The next day in the inter I he was tense, but he was manageable. It was far from his best test, but he got through it and learnt from it hopefully.

Noki (Pinoccio) didn’t feel himself. He had little energy and I was worried about him — we made quite a lot of mistakes and lacked energy in both the inter II and grand prix. I got our team vet to check his heart, which was normal for him, which was a relief, and got his bloods tested when I got home.

Hartpury here we come

On to Hartpury. This was Jorge’s first international, which was exciting and a proud moment. The same team were supporting us, two different grooms to get experience, and the World Class team were also there. It was my first senior international at big tour — very exciting but also very scary! It was also the final selection for the paras for WEG too, so pressure was on.

Reece showed his lack of work the past month or so, and was quite looky in the first test. Jorge was very concentrated though, so I thought he might have the edge and take the lead over his stable-mate. But Reece won with 72%, followed by Jorge on 69%.

In the individual Reece was getting better, and his mark improved to 74% as did Jorge’s to break that 70% barrier. Reece qualified through to the freestyle, which was moved to just before Noki’s grand prix. I was so nervous for the grand prix that I had to really focus on Reece and try and put it out my mind. It worked and Reece was back to form, gaining 80%.

Quick Swap: paras to grand prix; horses and bridles

A change of jackets and horses, and I was immediately warming up for the grand prix. Noki was quite strong and forward in the warm-up, so I struggled to get him together. I had to get him listening and hope the movements came off!

Quick swap into the double bridle after my first part of warm up in the snaffle (as I struggle to cope with all the reins). I got through the test and didn’t know how it felt; it was a bit of a blur because I was so nervous!

I didn’t expect to qualify for the freestyle, as all the riders that had got there were better than we were, so I was happy if I could do a good test. 63.8% I was happy with, and even happier the head judge at C gave us over 66% and two other judges 65%. We qualified for the freestyle in 11th place, so I was over the moon.

Dancing Shoes On

The rest of my para team decided they would stay and support me, which was nice, so we all stayed in the lorries and had a chilled day before the freestyle in the evening. I stretched the other boys, and watched the inter I class of the international before I started to prepare for my test, listening to my new music. It was hard to find something to follow Noki’s Pinocchio music I used for the Paralympics and small tour. But I love it.

The freestyle went OK. We had a bit of a miscommunication at the start, as he likes to know where he’s going, so being our first grand prix kur, it was a bit new, but the canter work came off and it mainly fitted to the music! The German judge Peter Engel gave us 71% for second, but overall we finished 6th with 66%, which I’m so happy with.

We left just after 11pm and drove home getting back after 2am at which point we had all five horses to put to bed!

Next Stop World Equestrian Games

The WEG team was announced after that weekend, and I’m delighted to say Reece and I have been selected, with Noki & Jorge as my direct reserves. I’m so proud of them, and it’s a real testament to what we have been trying to do building up a strong string during the past few years.

A big big thank you to Team Wells, all my sponsors and supporters, owners that continue to support my dreams, and friends and family. It’s much appreciated! Thank you!

Sophie x

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The Queen’s Sandringham Estate will host the FEI World Para Equestrian Driving Championships on the 26-29 June.

8 nations — Britain, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Russia, Hungary and Italy — will compete in the 3-day event, which features dressage, cross-country and cone-driving.

The British team of 3 will consist of Mick Ward (Toby), Deborah Daniel (Valeside Galaxy) and Lindsey Tyas Paice (Trixie’s Silver Spirit owned by Lady Iveagh).

Individuals will be Lucy Barclay (first team reserve), Sue Johnson, Judi Ralls, Margaret Lupton and Sarah Baverstock. As host nation, Britain can enter 5 individuals as well as the team.

This will be the first time driving World Championships have taken place in England, although they were held at Hopetoun in Scotland in 2004. 

Entry is free. Visit: www.britishcarriagedriving.co.uk

First published in Horse & Hound magazine on 29 May 2014

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We had our last squad training session of the year last week. It was a quiet one, so it was a good opportunity for me, Emma Sheardown and Angela [Weiss] to look into how physio and osteopath treatments affect the rider on the horse through different movements.

Mark Fisher, the World Class saddler, uses the Pliance system, which records pressures underneath the saddle. Physio Helen Mathie and osteopath Karen Robertson were both involved. I used Reece for this excercise. Looking at next year it’s all about getting the best out of each movement, and I’ve always felt my pelvis inhibits that. So this was a good opportunity to really look into it.

We set a sequence of movements in walk, trot and canter — from a simple circle all the way to canter pirouettes and one-time tempi changes. I did the sequence on both reins before a treatment, then again after the physio and osteo. We then did the test again the next day to see if the treatment was still effective the next day.

The results are still being analysed but the initial readings found a very positive link between treating and making my pelvis and weight-bearing much more even. We’ve always believed in it, and I frequently have treatment, but it’s interesting to get some science behind it and also shows how important the rider is, and how much it affects the horse. Hopefully it will make people more aware of themselves if they are having problems, rather than blaming the saddle or the horse.

What winter is for

I also took Jorge (pictured above) to training to get him out again, and make use of the support team we have there. He took it all in his stride — as you can see — and training over the last few days seems to have really clicked. His canter has become much more established and I’ve started teaching him the changes, which is exciting and just what winter is for!

Sophie

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A former para-equestrian driving world champion has died following an accident at work.

The FEI said Jan Ranzijn, 68, was a regular and “hugely respected” member of the Dutch para driving team.

Mr Ranzijn died earlier this month after being injured during his work as a crane operator.

He was world champion in the Grade I horse pairs on home ground at Hellendoorm in the Netherlands in 2006. Last year he took team gold and individual bronze at the world championships in Breda, Holland, with his home-bred Friesian gelding, Nico van de Haffriehoeve (pictured).

Speaking after his double medal success in 2012, Mr Ranzijn said: “Being 67 years old, I realise how fortunate I am that I can experience this.

“I enjoyed the competition very much and I enjoy driving every day. Nico is getting stronger, so I hope to be part of this wonderful team again in 2 years.”

The FEI said Mr Ranzijn had already started his preparations for next year’s world para driving championships, which will be held in the UK.

FEI director of driving, vaulting and reining, Bettina De Rham said: “Jan was a highly respected athlete, competing both in para-equestrian and able-bodied driving events.

“He was a true team player and his enthusiasm and commitment will be sorely missed in the driving world.”

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Para riders will take part in their own class at Britain’s best-known endurance ride, the Golden Horseshoe on Exmoor, for the first time next year.

The organisers are looking for competitive riders with a disability to take part in a graded 25km para class at the 2013 event (12-14 May).

An escort and crew will be provided for each para rider to introduce them to the sport.

For more information, contact barbaraann.wigley@btinternet.com.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (8 November 2012)

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Para riders are being invited to compete at two national endurance rides, as part of a new initiative to encourage disabled people to take up the discipline.

It will be launched at Puddingstone, Suffolk, on 23 September.

Emma Miller of the sport’s governing body, Endurance GB, said there had been interest from the Injured Jockeys Fund and Help for Heroes.

“We aim to have a World Championships,” she said. “The rides will be held in the same way as regular rides, although companion riders will be allowed.”

For more information visit www.endurancegb.co.uk

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (30 August 2012)

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A teenager who suffered terrible brain injuries in a fall while eventing three years ago is now competing at para dressage – and has been accepted on to a prestigious training programme.

Kate Hunter, 17, was injured in a fall on the BE90 cross-country course at Bishop Burton Horse Trials, Lincs, on 30 May 2009.

She was in a coma for three weeks and spent four months in hospital, relearning to walk and talk.

She started riding again as part of her therapy, but within two years has progressed so far that she is now a member of the British Equestrian Federation’s Excel Talent Programme for young riders.

Kate, from Market Rasen, Lincs is a grade 3 para rider. Grade 1 (of 4) is for those with the most severe disabilities.

She told H&H: “My left side is weaker where my pony rolled on me.

“I’ve got a right-frontal lobe brain injury, which means I find some of the finer motor movements difficult. I can’t do fiddly things, like doing up buckles or plaiting,” she added.

Kate’s parents took her to their local Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) centre six months after the accident.

She advanced quickly on its horses and, in 2010, won several classes at the RDA national championships at Hartpury, posting the highest dressage score of the weekend with 77%.

This led to her being talent-spotted by the BEF.

She competes her 16.3hh gelding, Bertie, but is advertising for another horse in this week’s H&H, as it is difficult keeping him sound.

“Before the accident it was always my dream to compete for Great Britain at eventing,” said Kate. “Now my long-term goal is to ride in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.”

Para coach Karen Thompson, who has taught Kate since she returned to riding, said her pupil had made “amazingly fast” progress.

“Within two to three months of getting her to sit on the mechanical horse, we were thinking about competitive riding,” said Mrs Thompson.

“She is very rewarding to teach, with that rare ability to do what you ask her to do.

“Taking [another pupil] Emma Sheardown from a therapy rider to a strong contender for London 2012 was an exciting journey – I think this could be just as good,” she added.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (19 April 2012)

• If you had an accident eventing, would you be insured? For all your insurance needs, contact KBIS

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Ruth Mathieson – the event rider paralysed in a fall last year – is riding again.

Ruth, 39, broke her back in a fall on the novice course at Nurstead Court Horse Trials.

She had competed at intermediate level and was on a career break to event full-time when she was injured. Ruth now uses a wheelchair.

“Initially, I thought I wouldn’t go back riding again, because I’d ridden at quite a decent level,” she told H&H.

“I didn’t want to just go round in circles.”

But she later changed her mind and on 24 February – under the guidance of Clive Milkins at South Bucks Riding for the Disabled (RDA) – got back on a horse.

“I got to ride Lambrusco [Sophie Christiansen’s Paralympic gold medallist],” she said.

“It felt a bit strange, but a lot better than I thought it would. Clive was laughing because I’d just got on and I was trying to get the horse on the bit!”

Mr Milkins told H&H that Ruth fared far better than he had expected.

“I think it was her sheer determination and strength of character that meant we got her on and within five minutes she was riding independently.”

Ruth is hoping to compete at para dressage on her mare, Ameya, who will continue eventing with Tim Rusbridge.

“She has a really lovely temperament and is quite flash on the flat,” she said.

Ruth’s positivity has inspired well-wishers and friends – including event rider, Gemma Tattersall – to raise funds for spinal research.

She has just set up a charitable trust, Eos, which will dispense funds to causes such as the RDA and spinal research. It will also work to raise awareness about safety.

For more information about Eos, contact trustee Lisa Dodd: eos_@hotmail.co.uk.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (8 March 2012)

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The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will open the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday 29 August.

This will be the first time The Queen has opened a Paralympic Games.

She will also open the Olympic Games on Friday 27 July.

In 1976 the Queen opened the Montreal Olympic Games and in 1956 The Duke of Edinburgh (on behalf of The Queen) opened the Melbourne Olympic Games.

And the 1984 Paralympic Games were officially opened by The Prince of Wales.

Chairman of the organising committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Sebastian Coe said: “This Paralympic Games will be the largest ever and the Opening Ceremony on 29 August will be a fantastic event.

“The Paralympic Games will undoubtedly be a time of extraordinary pride for our nation, and it is fitting that Her Majesty will declare us underway.”

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Para-equestrian dressage rider Ricky Balshaw is recovering in hospital after a fall left him with compression fractures on two separate vertebrae.

The 24-year-old grade 1B rider, who has cerebral palsy, was individual silver medallist at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

He was schooling at home on Friday (22 July) when the accident happened.

Speaking from his hospital bed at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, he said: “I was just cooling off my new boy, Lenherr Rocco, at the end of a schooling session when something spooked him.

“I was only on the buckle end so couldn’t pull him up, I was a passenger really and slipped out the side door.

“The doctors hope to put me in a back splint on in the next couple of days and I’m hoping to be back in the saddle in about 10 weeks time.”

This is not Ricky’s first enforced break from competition. A bad fall in 2009 resulting in several broken ribs forced him onto the injuries bench.

This time he joins fellow para rider Lee Pearson, who crushed three vertebrae, also in a fall during training last month.

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The British team didn’t utilise their usual suspects to annihilate the opposition at Hartpury para international, but they still won by 554 points from the Irish, with Japan in third.

Sophie Wells, Emma Kent, Natasha Baker and Emma Sheardown were given the challenge of defending Britain’s unbroken international record, which proved a walk in the park.

Team member Sophie Wells looks set to be the best grade IV rider Britain has ever had and scored a plus-70% hat-trick with Pinocchio, previously ridden at able-bodied small tour level by Pippa Fisher.

Sophie has been selected to represent Britain at the European Championships in Norway (20-24 August), alongside team-mate here Emma Sheardown. They will be joined by Lee Pearson (grade Ib), Sophie Christiansen (grade Ia), Simon Laurens (grade III) and Jo Pitt (grade II), who all won their respective classes at Hartpury, validating the selectors’ decision.

For a full report on Hartpury’s able-bodied and para-dressage internationals, plus Premier League and Shearwater young horse classes, check out Thursday’s Horse & Hound

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The Riding for the Disabled (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury College, Glos, was the largest and best attended yet.

Almost 300 RDA riders from around the UK competed at all levels of ability in dressage, vaulting and a musical ride/drive competition. And others took part in horse care and knowledge classes.

“This is the biggest event of its type in the world,” said championships chairman Doug Smith, adding that competitor numbers have trebled in the past six years.

Riders ranged from four-year-old Jasmine Denning from RDA Stokesley, Yorks, who left with five rosettes, to Paul Down, competing in his 80s for Stafford & District RDA.

The event was manned by an army of helpers, riders’ families and 200 volunteers, who travelled from as far afield as Scotland and France to assist.

A new trophy was presented to Zoe Talbot of Suffolk for junior best turned out pony, in memory of Kirstie Foster, the horse-loving teenager who was killed by her father in Shropshire last summer.

“The event is an emotional rollercoaster,” said Mr Smith. “One rider had £14,000-worth of injections to ensure he got here.”

Another competitor Tracy Brown from Edinburgh was delighted with her borrowed mare, 19-year-old Dutch Rose.

“‘I’ve qualified for the nationals nine times, but never been able to make it. It’s been brilliant,” she said.

The RDA launches its 40th anniversary in September with the world’s biggest riding lesson.

“It’s a great privilege to be part of the championships,” said RDA chairman Jane Holderness-Roddam.

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FIVE para-equestrian drivers have taken on the Eggheads in BBC2’s quiz show.

Team captain Terry Kirby enquired about putting a team together after appearing on In It To Win It, a show hosted by Dale Winton.

“I asked one of the production team about it and got all the forms for Eggheads,” said Terry, who drives internationally for Britain.

Terry’s team-mates were James Marshall, Heather Clarke, Margaret Lupton, Lynsey Tyas, and reserve Rowena Coldwell.

“It was great fun and a good way of getting publicity for the sport,” said Terry.

The drivers signed a confidentiality contract before filming, so viewers will have to find out the result in June when the show is aired.

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Less than a year after it was formed the British Para Show Jumping Association (BPSJA) has integrated with the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA).

The BPSJA will run affiliated and unaffiliated competitions for its members as part of the BSJA — in the same way as the British Para Dressage Trust is part of British Dressage.

The BSJA’s new para equestrian jumping committee, chaired by Michael Mac, has approved rules and grades for the newly affiliated sport.

BPSJA members now receive a discounted BSJA membership fee of £40 for a rider and one horse. Adult BSJA membership normally costs from £118 and £69 per horse.

BPSJA chairman Andy Lawes told H&H: “This is the first step towards us becoming an FEI (International Equestrian Association) sport, which is our aim.

“The BSJA will send rules to the British Equestrian Federation who will pass them to the FEI as a possible foundation for an international sport.”

The BPSJA has 35 members but Mr Mac said he envisaged 300 riders taking part within three years.

• Visit: www.bpsja.co.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (21 May, ’09)

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