Ahead of the National Virtual Championships on 15th, 16th, and 17th November, we hear from Millie, who shares her journey of participating in the event and what it means to her.
This article shares the inspiring journey of Millie, an enthusiastic and dedicated participant in the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Virtual National Championships. Millie expresses her love for these virtual competitions, which offer a unique platform for competitors across the UK to showcase their skills without the need to travel. Since beginning her RDA journey in 2012, inspired by the London Paralympics, Millie has enjoyed both competing and volunteering at her local RDA centre, where she’s developed strong bonds with horses like Bertie, Gracie, and Storm. Each competition brings Millie a sense of joy, pride, and accomplishment as she performs in show jumping and dressage. Millie’s story reflects her love for equestrian sports and her determination to continue competing, sharing her passion, and aiming for future achievements on the global stage.
We Can’t Do This Without Your Support!
At RDA, we rely on the support of people like you to make these events possible. Your involvement ensures that riders like Millie continue to have opportunities to compete, grow, and achieve their dreams. To find out how you can get involved, click here. Together, we can make a lasting impact and continue to bring joy, confidence, and inspiration to countless participants across the country.
I love to compete in the RDA virtual champions because I have fun and get to see what I can accomplish with my horse
“I find the Virtual National Champions so unique. I love that everyone from different RDA centres across the UK can participate. It gives the opportunity for those who are unable to travel to the in person RDA National Championships a chance to compete virtually.
I love to compete as it’s exciting and interesting to see what the judges think of my riding and to see other participants perform. It’s about having fun, enjoying myself and doing the best I can. I feel pleased to see where I came in my show jumping and dressage test.
I’ve been taking part in RDA activities since 2012 and started riding at my local RDA centre after watching the 2012 Paralympics in London, which is amazing to watch and inspired me. I started competing in November 2012 and haven’t stopped! I love every minute of it! I have also been volunteering at my local RDA since 2015.
I’ve ridden many different horses at the Avon RDA centre but there’s 3 horses in particular that I’ve had a partnership with. Bertie, Gracie and Storm are the horses that make me feel like a special person to ride and make me forget my worries if I’ve had a bad day. They just make my day a good day when I ride them. I have done competitions with them at my local RDA centre, completing in showing jumping and dressage.
At the 2022 RDA Virtual National Championships, I rode Gracie in level 3 showing jumping and grade 7 walk and trot on Storm. I was so proud and happy, because I worked so hard to get to this point. My aim is to try and get 1st place in a championship.
I love to share my experiences with participating and experience these events. I just have fun and just enjoy myself. Just keep going and see what happens with your future in riding. For me this determination meant I had an amazing experience, as I went to the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and won a gold medal, bronze medal and 4th place ribbon. I’m hoping I can go to the next world games in Chile in 2027. I’m a Special Olympics athlete as I have autism and learning special needs.”
Millie
Make sure to tune into our livestream 15th, 16th and 17th November 3:30PM – 8PM over on our YouTube @RDANational or our Facebook page
