Botton-resident Ian had a successful weekend at the RDA (Riding for the Disabled) National Championships. Taking part in the Trefoil Guild Countryside Challenge, Ian placed fourth riding Jasper, a 15.2 Bay Gelding. A fantastic achievement competing against riders from across the country.
The RDA National Championships took place in Gloucestershire at Hartpury College. It’s the RDA’s flagship event, bringing together hundreds of competitors of all abilities in events. These include Carriage Driving, Countryside Challenge, Dressage, Showjumping, Vaulting and Showing.
The Championships has grown year on year and is now bigger than the Paralympics and Para World Championships combined. In previous years it has proved a springboard for the Paralympics, with many of the current Team GB having competed at The Championships.
Ian riding Jasper, a 15.2 Bay Gelding at the RDA National Championships
Ian has been training for the event for the past few weeks and had to memorise the course, if he had made a mistake, he would get a ‘fail’.
“I thought I wouldn’t have placed but I did. I’ve been practising the course at my riding lessons with Stokesley RDA, so that helped me to remember where to go”
Ian spent the morning watching the course to refresh his memory before it was his turn to ride and was extremely proud and enjoyed going up to be presented with his rosettes. Ian has been riding since he was six years old and has built up quite a collection!
Results
4th in his Countryside Challenge Class (4th in the country)
3rd in the Best Turned out Horse and Rider (Stokesley RDA supplied him with his outfit and safety equipment.)
Ian received a rosette for Equine Knowledge
