My name is Emma Kent and I am a grade 3 para dressage rider. I compete both nationally and internationally with my horse Zandokan II, or \u2018Laddie\u2019 as he is known to his friends. I have been lucky enough to be sponsored by Speedgate Saddlery for several years and they have supported me through the highs and lows of my career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My disability is called Holt Oram Syndrome. It is a rare genetic disorder that has resulted in me being born with severely shortened and abnormally developed arms, no shoulder joints, nerve damage, fused spine and a heart condition. My left arm is very short and I have 2 fingers and only a partial ulna, and my right arm has no radius and only four fingers. My heart condition is called Sinus Node Disease and I also have very low blood pressure and bradycardia. My nerve damage is throughout my body and can often leave me with periods of extreme pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have been riding for 30 years and it all started through my local RDA as therapy when I was 18 months old. Throughout my childhood and early teenage years I began competing in dressage through my local RDA group. I was completely hooked at a young age and have been determined to reach my goal of competing at the European, World and Paralympic Games. I was on the World Class Pre Podium Programme from 2003 to 2013 during which time, with my horse Gentle II, I achieved many national titles and international wins. Sadly in 2013 I became ill with my heart condition and Gentle went lame which resulted in me losing my place on the squad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We then went out and located my current ride Zandokan II or \u2018Laddie\u2019 in Essex. Lad is a 16.2hh bright bay Dutch warmblood by Concorde. He had jumped to discovery level and competed up to Advanced Medium with his previous owner Sofie Butchart. Laddie has an extremely kind and loving nature but despite his size he can be a little nervous so looks to his rider for confidence. We have competed in able bodied dressage and in many National and International Competitions together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We train together with Angela Weiss, a Grand Prix dressage rider who also has been squad coach for the Paradressage team for the past 14 years. Angela has supported and trained many of the top combinations to European, World and Paralympic success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to my disability becoming worse I was then reassessed and regraded as a new grade 3. This means I had to learn a new set of tests and compete in the small arena. My grade 3 tests consist of walking, trotting, leg yields, rein back and the dreaded walk pirouettes. These can be very tricky at times for me as I completely over think the movement. We tend to save canter for our music tests which Laddie really enjoys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have a special pair of looped rolled reins that were hand made for me by S. Milner and Sons in Melton Mowbray. The leather is extremely soft so it does not cause my finger to blister when they are looped onto my fingers. The reins pass through a breast plate so if I drop them then I can easily get them back into place safely. The breastplate was specially designed and handmade by S. Milner and Sons. The bling we have on the bridle and breast plate was sourced by Speedgate Saddlery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year we will be focusing on improving our scores and developing a consistent upward trend in our results. I want to qualify for the Wellington Premier League and compete at Bishop Burton CPEDI. I would like to do some more able bodied competing too as I enjoy the variety of the different tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n