One of our students received national recognition at the Riding for the Disabled Association’s National Championships in Gloucestershire, earlier this month. RDA’s National Championships is the biggest equestrian event of its kind for disabled competitors, featuring a jam-packed schedule and a breathtaking range of events.
Having triumphed at the regional trials, our student was entered for Dressage, Showjumping and Photography. Dressage plays a huge part in the RDA National Championships with a variety of classes on offer. Riders follow a specific test with a predetermined pattern in a 20m x 40m arena. Dependent on their impairment and/or experience, they can ride tests with walk only, walk and trot or walk, trot and canter – our student entered the Grade 6 Walk and Trot category, and placed 6th in that class, receiving a beautiful purple rosette.
She also entered Showjumping Level 2, a growing discipline at the Championships and one she excelled at, this time placing 5th nationally, this time with a green rosette. It’s a highly pressured event, but as our student says: “I actually found the warm up more nerve racking than the actual event, because once you enter the arena to do it you just focus on what you’re doing.”
As a budding photographer, our student has been developing her photographic skills whilst at Breakthrough. Her photographs were entered in the Photography class at the Championships where she received first place overall (junior and senior).
A huge well done from all of us – we are very proud of all that she has achieved!
