Rider strikes gold in national Disabled Dressage Championships

A rider from Watlington fought off competition to gain first place at the National Riding for the Disabled Dressage Championships.Michelle Alflatt, representing West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), based at the Magpie Centre in Runcton Holme, gained an impressive 68.09%, riding Simba – a piebald cob – at the championships held at Hartpury College in Gloucester this month.RDA riders are graded according to their disability and Michelle, who has cerebral palsy, rides at grade one.Junior rider Jessa Seekings, riding Buddy, also performed well and placed third in her class.Three other Magpie Centre riders also qualified at a regional competition held at Milton College in May and competed at the Nationals – Aynsley Calvert, Robert Baldwin and Annabelle Glegg.Michelle said: “It was a fantastic experience, but Simba and I couldn’t have done it without our wonderful team, including Magpie Centre yard manager Natalie Dade and RDA group instructor Jo Gordon, who transported the ponies, looked after them and prepared them for us to ride.”Next up for the Magpie Centre is an open day on Saturday, August 17 from 10am-3pm. This day will includes various equine-related demonstrations, carriage rides, craft stalls, a children’s craft tent and a chance to meet the horses.Admission is £1 per person, under fives can enter for free (cash only) and there will be free parking.Dogs are not allowed at this event, except service assistance dogs, and refreshments will be available.