MY DISABILITY
I have a congenital disability; my left arm finishes just below my elbow. Apart from my left arm I am an able bodied person.
Under IPEC (International Paralympic Equestrian Committee) rules, dressage riders are graded on their disability. The grades begin at 1a and go to grade 4. Grade 1a riders have the most severe disability and grade 4 riders the least. I am graded as a grade 4 rider. As a grade 4 rider I ride at medium level in the Individual tests and the freestyle tests go to Prix St Georges level.
To ride I use a loop of leather which I hook my arm into. The loop is connected to the left rein with buckles which means I can adjust it depending which horse I am riding. There is also a 2" piece of elastic which connects the left rein to the horses bit, this acts as a shock absorber for my left arm. The right rein is a standard rein found on any bridle.
RIDING HISTORY
I began riding at the age of five. I shared my first pony Fly with my sister. He was fantastic, we did everything with him. I competed at local shows, and then at seven I joined the South Notts Pony Club. I achieved Pony Club tests to level C and Riding and Road Safety. I represented the South Notts Pony Club in many areas such as Prince Philip Cup Mounted Games, the 14.2hh show jumping team and cross country/horse trials events. As a pony rider I mostly competed in BSJA show jumping competing in JC/JA classes.
In 1998 I moved up to horses, I mainly concentrated on show jumping with Jastra we did very well show jumping up to foxhunter level.
In 2001 after the Sydney Paralympics the World Class Performance Program advertised for new talented riders. The selection trials were held at The Talland School of Equitation. I went to the selection trial only having had four dressage lessons on my own horse Jastra. I did very well at the trial and was selected to join the World Class Performance Program I have now been on the top squad since then.
I have worked very hard since 2001 and am learning everyday.
To find out more about dressage please visit http://www.britishdressage.co.uk.
For further information regarding UK Sport and the World Class Performance Program please visit http://www.uksport.gov.uk and www.bef.co.uk.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Having achieved a good understanding of dressage, competed and trained to a high level I now feel able to help and develop others improve their riding and horses to achieve their goals.
I offer lessons in flat work and dressage from Preliminary to Advanced, Riding Club and Pony Club. Improve rider position and development, improve test riding and overall improve horses for the long term.
I want to help people who have a love for dressage and want to improve their riding and horse. If you are interested, please contact me.
OTHER FACTS ABOUT ME
DOB 29th March 1983
I have a GNVQ intermediate Art and Design, AVCE advanced Art and Design and an HND in Fashion Design.
Words to describe myself; spirited, passionate, generous
Favorite Colour: Pink
Favorite Food: Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings
Favorite Film: Fifth Element
Likes: Horses! Shopping! Cars and Food
Dislikes: Poverty, War
Hobbies: I enjoy Yoga and go to class every week. I can not believe how much I benefit from it. I enjoy films and I sell my own handmade greeting cards in my mother's book shop.
