Hi Angela, and thank you so much for taking the time to talk to Irish Sport Horse Magazine. We want to find out a bit more about your riding career so far and your plans for Qualification for the Para Equestrian Dressage in Tokyo 2020.
When did you first start to ride?
I started riding at age 5 on a donkey called Sally. We didn’t move very far, then I upgraded to a Shetland pony called Beauty when I was about 7. As is usual with Shetlands I spent a lot of time on the ground.
Who has been your greatest inspiration as an Equestrian and who did you train with through the years?
One of my greatest inspirations would be Carl Hester. The way he works and trains his horses is amazing.
Now, our own Judy Reynolds is an inspiration, showing that Irish riders can make it to the top.
Was becoming a dressage rider always something that you aspired to?
I show jumped as a teenager to high National level but I had a bad fall at a show which broke my hip, pelvis and femur. Giving up riding was not an option so I took up dressage and this became the sport I love.
Who has been your special horse in your career so far and why?
Latino J aka Rio was my first horse in a million. We went from just broken to Prix St George level and won 11 National Titles at various levels. He is now in active retirement at 27yrs. My current partner is Woodcroft Santa Cruz aka Tommy. Tommy is a talented, but opinionated warm blood. It took time, but we are getting there. We are currently starting to compete at Medium level.
What competitions do you have to attend in your bid to qualify for Tokyo 2020?
This year is a qualifying year for the Tokyo Paralympics. The standard of Para Equestrian competition is very high, so it is a big battle to fight for a team or individual place at the Paralympics. 2019 determines what countries get a place and then 2020 will determine what riders will go. To be in with a chance I would need to compete at CPEDI 3* events in Europe. Luckily there are 3 in the UK, so I aim to compete at them.
What do you find is your biggest Challenge as a Para Rider?
I have a never give up attitude, although sometimes it is hard to push through. The biggest issues I have to deal with are chronic pain and fatigue. When I was first diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I lost all my muscle, balance and finally all confidence in my riding ability. It took a few years but I’ve built myself back up and I am ready to face the challenge.
What has been the biggest High in your Career So Far?
Winning the National Titles on Rio are top of the list. But getting my fight back and finally developing a good bond with Tommy have been high lights too. 2018 was my best year to date with Tommy.
We got selected to ride at our first Para 3 Star International for Team Ireland at Bishop Burton. The team came third and individually I came 5th. At the Dressage Ireland Championships in September 2018 we won Reserve Championship in the Freestyle to music, which is my favourite class. I’m hoping 2019 will be as good if not better.
Another highlight was when I became a brand ambassador for Bluegrass Horse Feeds, their first Dressage and Para Dressage rider!
One last question, if you had one piece of advice to give to give to a young Equestrian starting out, what would that be?
There are no short cuts with horses. Stay positive and set yourself some goals, no matter how big or small. Take pride in how far you have come and when things go wrong, dust yourself off, take a deep breath and try again.
This Interview originally appeared in the May 2019 Edition of Irish Sport Horse Magazine.