Two Crowson Park Riding for the Disabled participants have achieved placings at the RDA National Championships.
Elsie Prasser, 13, and Ben Jefferey, 14, both travelled to Werribee, Victoria, with their families and coach Madeline Eadie to compete over three days earlier this month.
Elsie and Ben both competed in the para 1.1 – dressage on lead, the para 1.2 – dressage on lead, and the working trials.
Elsie placed third in the para 1.1 event and Ben came second in the working trial event.
Ms Eadie said the riders had been training for months prior to the interhouse competition which lead to their state team selection.
“To be selected we had to submit a video of the kids riding to an independent judge at RDA Queensland,” she said.
“They choose who will be the best for the team through timing, look, posture and general dressage skills.”
Ms Eadie said both riders competed against each other and other riders who had disabilities.
“We kept our two on lead, just to make sure everything goes ok,” she said.
“They are in full control of the horse and we don’t tense the head lead.”
Ms Eadie said she was extremely proud of the riders and so were the rest of the RDA team from Crowson Park.
“This is the first time we entered and we didn’t have any expectations,” she said.
“Seeing the kids receive a ribbon was fantastic.
“They both did so well and although they were nervous they remained relatively calm.”
Ms Eadie said the riders had to overcome using a billeted horse as well.
“Using a different horse was a challenge, but we were so lucky to receive Ellie who was a very calm horse,” she said.
“They both have learned the ability to cope with change and to do that in front of the judges and the crowd was amazing.”