from Bay Of Plenty Times (dated 06 August 2010)

A Tauranga woman has been given a leg up towards achieving her goals in the expensive sport of horseriding

Aspiring rider Jodie Thorne thought her riding days were over when she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 12. Losing much of the control in her legs ended her dream of become a dressage rider.

But since getting back in the saddle two years ago, the 28-year-old has gone from strength to strength and decided to compete in the para-dressage section of equestrian competitions.

Ms Thorne applied for funding to help pay for her sport, and has received a grant from the Max Foundation. She plans to use the $4000 grant to buy a horse instead of using one from Tauranga Riding for the Disabled (RDA), where she trains.

"I was ecstatic and buzzing the whole day," she said.

Ms Thorne will be able to buy a horse pre-trained in dressage which can be schooled to suit her needs. Her muscular dystrophy means she has limited control in her legs and needs a horse which is calm, sensible and "knows what the rider is doing".

She is also in contention for an $8000 AMP Do Your Thing Scholarship which she would use to buy equipment, including a specialised saddle, and pay for her horse's upkeep.

After moving from Britain to New Zealand six years ago, Ms Thorne discovered RDA and two years ago decided to give riding another go.

Her passion for para-equestrian dressage was reignited when she competed in the RDA dressage competition in Napier last October.

"I had always enjoyed it, but didn't know whether I would be able to do it again."

Ms Thorne competes in the 1A group of para-equestrian riding, for riders with the most serious physical disabilities. They are allowed only to compete in para-dressage at a walking pace.

"The beauty of para-dressage is that you compete against someone with the same problems. This makes it a really even playing field," she said.

One of the biggest influences on her has been Betty Blundell, an accomplished dressage-rider and coach, who came out of retirement to train her.

Ms Blundell said: "When I heard she was keen to ride, it was too good of a chance to pass up. I really wanted to help. She won't give in and she tries so hard."

Ms Thorne said she was determined to continue improving her riding skills.

"I've got a lot of things stopping me in terms of my disability, but I don't let it hold me back."

While the 2012 Para-Olympics is an option, Ms Thorne concedes she may not be ready for that level by then. However, she intends to compete in the national competition in Auckland next year.