A young para showjumper who trains at Nantwich & District Riding for the Disabled has beaten able-bodied competitors in a contest to reach a major Championships.
Eloise Dunn, 15, who has cerebral palsy, is a classified grade 3 para rider who has been attending coaching sessions at Nantwich RDA in Reaseheath since last October.
At the weekend, she rode the RDA’s horse “Blue Star” in the Summer Solstice Unaffiliated Showjumping 60cm Junior class.
And Eloise came top of the class against 12 other able-bodied riders which means she has qualified for the Easy Chip Unaffiliated Championships at Aintree in September.
Trainer Fred Parker said: “This is a fantastic achievement, all the more so as this was her first ever open competitive event.
“Eloise is keen to develop her riding and aims to progress through to the higher-levels of affiliated British Show Jumping in both para and able-bodied events.
“Para-focused events are few and far between and are likely to involve travelling considerable distance to take part, something Eloise’s mum is trying to encourage the para side of the British Show Jumping Association to address.”
Eloise’s mum Stef, who lives on the Wirral, paid tribute to the team and coaches at Nantwich RDA.
She makes the 80-mile round trip every Monday so Eloise can take advantage of the sessions.
She said: “The Nantwich & District RDA is a fantastic group.
“It’s been wonderful to see the riders grow in confidence and develop their skills each week.
“Fred is one of the coaches and his positive can-do approach has given Eloise so much confidence in her ability and shows what can be achieved with the right support and opportunities.
“I’m incredibly proud of how hard Eloise has worked and the determination she has shown.
“She has never given up, so it’s fantastic to see her talent being recognised.
“It would be great to see British Showjumping develop opportunities for para riders across the North West and Wales, giving more people the chance to progress and compete.”
Nantwich & District RDA group is in one of a small number of RDA centres in the UK qualified to teach show jumping.
Sessions are supported by volunteers and cater for disabled riders who are able to ride independently off a lead rein and without side walkers.
Eloise is joined at Nantwich & District RDA by another jumping focused rider Sophia Reeve-Jones, who has qualified for the Wales & West Championship at Chepstow in August.
She will also be competing against able-bodied riders in the 50cm and 60cm classes, but on her own horse, “King”.
Fred said the successes are a result of a “very strong foundation” developed in the group.
He added: “Every single volunteer and trustee involved has helped create the environment for this success.
“What you are seeing here is the result of a consistent team effort from dedicated volunteers who give up their time week after week.
“Without this incredibly strong foundation, we would not be seeing the results we are.”
The RDA also holds sessions at Reaseheath on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Tuesday sessions cater for riders who can benefit from using the riding simulator, either as a precursor to riding the ponies and horses or for those riders who may not be able to ride a real equine.
Thursday sessions are for riders who need closer supervision and support.
If you would like to be involved with riding, volunteering or sponsoring, contact Sheila Saner [email protected]
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