A rider whose left leg was amputated eight years in the past has taken prime honours within the Hickstead Worldwide Area – displaying that “something’s attainable”.
Val Sheehan and Pink Dove received the cob championship on the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby assembly, which earned them a spot on the Agria Royal Worldwide Horse Present (23-28 July).
Val, who’s from Kantuck, Co Cork, however now lives in Kent, is joint-master of the East Kent Hunt. His leg was amputated after a driving accident.
“I needed to study to trip once more, however she’s very forgiving,” he mentioned of the eight-year-old mare. “However we now have to verify she rides effectively and goes for the trip decide, too, and that’s an artwork by itself. However she needs to do the job, and she or he smiles via the bridle on a regular basis.”
Val added that “Audrey” is “superb” to trip.
“We’ve had her since she was a two-year-old, and brought it very sluggish up thus far, however I actually assume she’s nearly to come back into herself,” he mentioned. “However at the same time as a younger horse, she was particular. She has an enormous fan membership – everyone loves Audrey!
“She’s simply mild throughout the bottom in all her paces. She doesn’t hit the bottom heavy; she drops into the gallop and simply rides actual mild and fluffy for a heavyweight cob. She’s simply fabulous throughout the bottom – you’d need to hunt her all day, as they need to be judged.”
For Val, a really skilled producer of cobs, this prestigious win means all of the extra after his return to the saddle.
“To trip in the primary ring, to go champion – for any individual with one leg, effectively, you don’t think about you’ll be able to ever do it, however something’s attainable, isn’t it?” he mentioned.
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H&H information editor
Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Keen about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all facets of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits via to worldwide championships.
