Biography
I was born with amniotic band syndrome, which has affected my hands and ankles, I lost many of my fingers and function in the remaining ones. The doctors managed to save my feet, however the constriction of the bands has left me with lack of function and problems with my calves.
I started riding at the age of six at the local riding club. I did all the usual riding club and pony club activities, although struggled a lot with normal reins. I would go over a jump and lose my reins, go over another jump and lose my reins again, however, it taught me not to rely on them!
When I was ten I started training with Vicki Thompson for three years, and she gave me a great start in the sport of dressage. I then went on to train with Tracey Woodhead, and now train with Angela Weiss. Angela is also coach to the World Class Para Dressage Development Squad which I have been on since 2004.
Para dressage riders are classified according to their degree of physical disability and range from Grade I to IV. Grade I riders have a greater degree of disability than Grade IV and the tests reflect this in the movements that they are required to be perform. Grade IV freestyle can be up to Prix St Georges level.
In 2008, I was first reserve for Team GB for the Paralympics in Hong Kong on my then new horse Touchdown M. I also competed in able-bodied competitions up to Prix St Georges and Junior level and was the first para to win an able-bodied international, the Hickstead CDIJY. I won the Para Grade IV Championship at Hartpury International as an individual and was on the winning team. My good run of form continued with Para wins at the Spring Championships and the National Championships.
2009 was a fantastic year including Hartpury International where I won all three classes and was on the winning team with my new ride, Pinocchio (Noki), and came second in all three classes with my younger horse Valerius (Reece)! The highlight of the year, and my career so far, was winning triple gold on Pinnochio at the European Para Championships in Norway.
I acheived one of my career ambitions in 2010 by being selected with Pinocchio for the Young Rider European Championships in Kronberg, Germany, the first Para rider to be selected for an able-bodied team. It was an amazing experience, I achieved good scores and the team placed a close sixth. I was also selected for the Para team for WEG, again with Pinocchio, where we won two individual gold medals and team gold. 2010 was extremely busy but it was also a wonderful year, with all my goals being met!
2011 has been a phenomenal year with success within both Para and Young Riders. In June at Compiegne, France, I was part of the Young Rider team where we placed 6th, and as an individual I took 3rd, along with winning the freestyle to music on Pinnocchio (Noki). It was our first able-boded international win, so I was delighted. At Hickstead I won the final selection trial on Noki, to be one of only two British Young Riders to compete at the Europeans, where I finished in the top 15. At the Para European Champs' in Belgium (Reece's debut on the 'big scene'), we won three golds!
I enjoy having two horses at top level and will take every opportunity to undergo the best preparation for competition. In the midst of everyone focusing on the 2012 Olympics, I am appreciating my success so far and enjoying the moment!