‘I get emotional thinking about it’: Disabled riders from North East triumph at national competition

Families of disabled children from Newcastle were left emotional after youngsters' "amazing" triumph at a national competition.

Fourteen disabled riders competed at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships on July 15 and 16.

The group, from various riding schools in the area, returned home with 19 rosettes to their names and left parents proud as punch.

The event took place 264 miles away at Hartpury University and College in Gloucestershire and proved worth the journey - which was supported by the People's Postcode Lottery.

12-year-old Freya from Morpeth RDA was one of the impressive youngsters competing.

Her mum Bev said: "Freya absolutely loved going to the Championships, it’s where she’s most happiest. She’s incredibly proud of herself, and we’re incredibly proud of her.”

Freya placed first in the junior section of the dressage class and second in the junior section of the Countryside Challenge.

Bev added: “Being at the Championships provides a really good example for the children when they see the adults riding. For Freya to see adults who also have visual impairments riding and to see their ability, it’s huge. It sets aspirations for our children to see how far they can go. The Championships gives them a sense of equality, place and belonging.”

Evis Fox has two children participating at the competition, who ride with Newcastle & District RDA.

She remembered: “I get quite emotional thinking about it. It’s just so amazing that the Championships are available for the children to do. They are so proud of themselves and everything they’ve achieved.

"My daughter Gracie has dreams for the Paralympics, it’s her dream, and being at the Championships made her feel like she was there.

“The whole atmosphere at the Championships is amazing. Everyone goes out of their way for you, and the kids are made to feel like superstars.”

Gracie placed first in the junior section of her dressage class. Her brother Odin Fox placed 6th in his Countryside Challenge class.