Anne's Story
|
Anne was diagnosed with Secondary Progressive M.S. in 2003, and gradually became unable to do many things that she loved. Anne started riding with RDA in 2009 and has exceeded her expectations, having now competed at the RDA National Championships three times and taken on the role of Participants rep in March 2018.
In Anne's own words "The hardest part of coming to terms with MS is accepting the chances that you won't get back again and that your life is now different. The gym didn't appeal to me. Horses do - they don't care if you've got sticks, if you have wheels, if you stagger a bit, if you slur..They're just glad to see you.! The only time I can look ahead and see where I am going is when I'm riding. Walking with crutches I’m looking at my feet …. the world is just three feet in front of me" I’ve had a fantastic experience with RDA. I’ve met some wonderful supportive staff, volunteers and participants. Whether riding, driving, vaulting or jumping, what we have in common is horses, and spending time with like-minded people. I’m hoping that Participants in RDA will take charge of their lives with a disability or a long term condition and will become active participants in their RDA experience instead of passive ones that just go along with what is on offer. RDA has given our family so much and it can do the same for others, in becoming participants rep I want to help others get as much out of RDA as I have." |
RDA has become a family affair. Anne’s younger daughter is training to be an assistant coach and volunteers at a driving group. Her younger granddaughter is a vaulter and rider who also competed successfully at the Regional Dressage Competition.
Back to case studies |
