In a class effort they took the honours in the Grade III
KBIS Disabled Dressage Rider Championships. A relative newcomer to
competitive dressage riding, Simon and Ocean Diamond have quickly
made their mark in para dressage.
Said Simon: “I was thrilled with Ocean Diamond, it was the best he
has ever gone, absolutely fantastic.
“I have had lots of help from my trainer Henriette Andersen who
really had me motivated and focussed to do well.”
Simon was diagnosed with MS in November 2004 and was so devastated
with the news that he decided to sell all his horses and give up
riding. However he started to ride his partner’s show horse Ocean
Dream and thought he would have a go at dressage.
Added Simon: “I only started competing in Para dressage in December
2005 so it has all happened really quickly”.
“I never thought of myself as qualifying as a disabled rider, but
everyone persuaded me to have a go and when I saw the Para riders
competing I couldn’t believe the calibre of the horses and the
standard of riding.
“To win at the Blue Waters National Dressage Championships is a
dream come true and I would like to thank everyone involved who have
put so much effort into getting us this far.”
|
Simon and Ocean Diamond are
presented with the winner’s sash and rosette by Guy
Prest of KBIS Insurance. |
