About Me, my Horse and my Work
I've been riding for most of my life but gave up for 15 years when I was quite ill. I returned to the sport in 2003. I was quite worried about riding again as my balance is quite poor but although I sometimes have a bit of a 'wobbly' moment on board -so far I haven't fallen off due to it.
On those occassions when I have fallen off (too many to mention) it has been for other reasons!
I'm classified as a Grade IV rider, this means that I ride tests comparable to Elementary/Medium level. I rode for several years without telling people that I had a disability but decided in 2008 that I was wanted to try Para sport so contacted the Riding for the Disabled Association to find out a bit more. I found that I had to be classified; this is a process where a rider is assesed by a physiotherapist to catagorise their disability into a particular grade. You can find out more about the classification system here
Riders are graded I-IV according to their disability, with Grade I riders being most disabled. Tests for Grade I and II riders include walk and trot only, and Grades III and IV are expected to canter and perform more difficult moves like half-pass and simple changes. Once a rider has been internationally classified they receive an FEI Para Equestrian International Classification Identity Card (IPEC ID Card) describing their profile number, Grade and a list of compensating aids they are allowed to use in competition. Compensating aids may include but are not limited to: use of the voice; whip(s), rein and saddle adaptations; bands to hold feet in the stirrups.
In my case I have some weakness and paralysis on my righthandside along with poor co-ordination and balance.
You can find out more about my horse and the work I do by clicking on these links or the tabs above.
Email; roma@romaoakes.co.uk