Laura Curson riding Louie at the Championships

UNICORN CENTRE RIDERS TRIUMPH IN NATIONAL COMPETITION

Disabled riders from the Unicorn Centre RDA group in Hemlington, Middlesbrough have returned triumphant from the RDA National Championships in Gloucestershire.  Having qualified at regional events earlier in the year, the riders, volunteers and ponies were able to compete having received a travel grant thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery and generous local donations.

“It was a fantastic experience for all Team Unicorn,” says Centre Manager, Claire Pitt. “The RDA National Championships brings riders and carriage drivers together from all over the UK and it was a really special weekend. We are grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for supporting our riders.”

She continued, “We’re immensely proud of our riders’ achievements and the way they represented the Unicorn Centre at this national event.   I’m so grateful for the support of their families, friends and the staff and volunteers from the Centre – they all did a brilliant job.”

Sixteen riders from Team Unicorn competed at the Championships in dressage, show jumping or in the Countryside Challenge on Centre ponies Spider, Izzy and Louie and loaned ponies Tubby and Grace.  They all performed beyond expectation achieving six first places, eight second places and three third places and the majority of our riders were placed in the top six in each class.

It was Laura Curson’s first visit to the National Championships:  “I loved riding Louie in the Level 2 Showjumping, it was amazing and so much fun and I would love to go to Hartpury again next year”.

The National Championships, organised by the charity Riding for the Disabled Association is the biggest event of its kind in the world, bringing together hundreds of disabled competitors who have qualified to take part, with over 90 classes taking place over the three days. In the past, the event has provided a springboard for Paralympian’s including Sophie Christiansen, Natasha Baker and Lee Pearson – all of whom started their careers with the support of RDA.

For further information contact Mrs Claire Pitt, Unicorn Centre Manager, 01642 576222

Ends

15.08.16