RIDERS from the North Cornwall Riding for the Disabled Association have returned victorious from the RDA National Championships. 

Seven disabled riders from the North Cornwall RDA in Camelford were in attendance at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury University and College in Gloucestershire earlier this month, competing in a number of specialities and finishing the day with a total of eight rosettes.  

Julie Furber, who achieved first place in her class of Grade-5 freestyle and in the Open section of her Grade-5 dressage said that despite a three-year hiatus from the event due to the pandemic, it is as if it had never left.

She said: “Because there has been such a long break between championships, everyone was a bit flat from not being able to come, and when we turned up Thursday, we didn’t know whether there would be as much of a buzz, but we’re pleased to see there is. People are saying hello, chatting and saying good luck.  

“It’s a very important event. The participants get so much pleasure out of horses and riding and being able to take part in something. We’ve enjoyed it and seeing others enjoying it too. I feel privileged to take part in and be part of it.”   

The event is the biggest of its kind, held over three-days, it features a range of disciplines including carriage driving, vaulting, dressage and showjumping.

The event has previously provided a competitive starting point for a number of Paralympians.  

Chair of the group, Mark Cunliffe said: “We are delighted to have been able to take our fantastic riders to Hartpury this year thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery. We were ecstatic when we heard we were being awarded with this fantastic grant which allowed us to travel our ponies, riders and volunteers down to Gloucestershire.”