AN inspirational young horse rider from North Yorkshire has landed an award after battling the odds to take part in her beloved sport – despite requiring a wheelchair for her spinal condition and dreaming of “walking like normal kids”.
During the usual Saturday afternoon ride at Catterick Garrison Saddle Club yesterday (April 2), regional chair of Riding for Disabled (RDA), John Chuter, and county chair Cass O’Brien presented an unaware Kelsey Power, 9, with the Maggie Tansley Award 2022.
From joining joined Richmond & Catterick RDA in February 2018 as a five-year-old, Kelsey, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3 and uses a wheelchair, does her best to walk whenever she can, despite the difficulty.
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She said: “I want to walk like normal kids”.
After showing tenacity and inspiration to carry on with horse riding, Kelsey was presented with this year’s accolade – to the shock and surprise of the youngster .
The Maggie Tansley Award is named after the regional chair who died in 2017 and had been involved with RDA for many years.
The aim is to recognise the rider who is unlikely to achieve an accolade at a higher level but still shows resilience and courage – something that Kelsey has in ‘spades’.
Richmond & Catterick Riding for Disabled coach, Sheri Wild, nominated nine-year-old Kelsey, the youngest rider in the group, for this award.
Mrs Wild said: “Initially we'd lift Kelsey onto Tiddles, her allocated pony. Once settled in the saddle she has a good seat.
“However, due to her weak lower torso, Kelsey can very easily lose balance. She has a balance bar and two side walkers to maintain her stability and confidence.
“Her insistence on using the bridle reins “like the others” was an early indication of her strong character”.
Since joining Richmond & Catterick RDA, Kelsey has progressed from slow, gentle walking for a limited time to accommodate her weakness and fatigue, and to gradually overcome her initial nervousness, to steering her pony and trotting for short distances.
She passed her Proficiency Test Grade 1 in both Riding and Horse Care. She then went on to gain her Proficiency Grade 2 Riding and Horse Care.
Combining a new drug, Spinraza, to slow the progress of her disability, with Kelsey’s incredible strength of character and considerable determination has seen her go from strength to strength.
In February 2020, just before lockdown, she was able to take her feet out of the stirrups without assistance. During stationary exercises she suddenly rolled her ankles.
Mrs Wild added: “Clearly the equine therapy of RDA and Kelsey’s own indomitable ‘can do’ determination and ever-cheerful personality, combined with her Spinraza treatment will see her achieve every goal she sets herself.
“We are all so very proud of her achievements to date and know she's going to continue to amaze us all”.
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