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.

Read more: Darlington's rugby girls victorious in county festival

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 Northern Echo: 9-year-old Kelsey Power receives the Maggie Tansley Award from North Yorkshire with Cleveland County Chair of the Riding for the Disabled Association Cass O'Brian at Catterick Garrison Saddle Club. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.9-year-old Kelsey Power receives the Maggie Tansley Award from North Yorkshire with Cleveland County Chair of the Riding for the Disabled Association Cass O'Brian at Catterick Garrison Saddle Club. Photograph: Stuart Boulton.

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.

The Northern Echo: 9-year-old Kelsey Power receives the Maggie Tansley Award. Picture: STUART BOULTON.9-year-old Kelsey Power receives the Maggie Tansley Award. Picture: STUART BOULTON.

“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.

The Northern Echo: Despite using a wheelchair, Kelsey hasn't let any barrier get in her way during her time horse riding. Picture: FAMILY PHOTO.Despite using a wheelchair, Kelsey hasn't let any barrier get in her way during her time horse riding. Picture: FAMILY PHOTO.

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.

The Northern Echo: Richmond & Catterick Riding for Disabled coach, Sheri Wild, nominated nine-year-old Kelsey, the youngest rider in the group, for this award. Pictures: FAMILY PHOTOS.Richmond & Catterick Riding for Disabled coach, Sheri Wild, nominated nine-year-old Kelsey, the youngest rider in the group, for this award. Pictures: FAMILY PHOTOS.

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”.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054