Jason Inchley, 19, from Chard, Somerset, competed for the first time in the grade 1b dressage class at the Riding for the Disabled National Championships which took place last weekend (17-19 July) at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire.
Jason, who has ridden at Drakes Farm, Ilton with the Chard and District Riding for the Disabled group since he was very young, scored 61.5% on Buster VIII, to finish 5th in his class.
Whilst at the National Championships, Jason also met and talked with Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who attended the event in her capacity as President of the Riding for the Disabled Association.
Jason and Buster achieved the same score as they got when they qualified at the Regional level and with the added pressure of this being a National competition with much tougher judging, it is an excellent result.
Both Jason and Buster, who was lent to him by the North Cornwall RDA group, were understandably, slightly tense throughout the test but managed to complete all the necessary movements and keep good pace throughout. He was given some good constructive criticism by the judge which means that the partnership of Jason and Buster VIII have something to work on going forwards.
Jason described the whole experience as 'awesome' and said, “I am hoping that I will be able to qualify and better my placing next year. Mid-term, I’m hoping to move into para competition and my ultimate dream is to be able to ride for a GB team”.
The RDA National Championships is RDA’s flagship event, bringing together hundreds of competitors of all abilities in events including Dressage, Countryside Challenge, Vaulting, Horse Care & Knowledge, Arts & Crafts, Best Turned Out and Musical Ride.
The Championships has grown year on year and is now bigger than the Paralympics and Para World Championships combined. In previous years it has proved a springboard for the Paralympics, with many of the current Team GB having competed at The Championships.
