As a disabled athlete I face some unique challenges, which also mean that accessing my sport can be difficult at times. I try not to let these stop me, and focus on finding ways to make my dreams of being in this sport a reality. I have left sided hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, and nystagmus, a visual impairment. These disabilities mean that I struggle with mobility, balance and coordination alongside having limited distance and peripheral vision. I can tire more quickly and am not allowed to drive. I can only work part time due to this, and travel everywhere by public transport. As well as some incredible highs in my para journey, I have also had some very low points including not riding for 6 months due to crippling fear. So for me to be in a position with Biscuit to campaign towards competing at Bishop Burton is mind blowing, and it is a huge honour to be trusted with such a special horse. 

My para dressage journey

I was incredibly grateful to gain the ride on Ollie (The Silver Surfer) in 2014, after being inspired to find a way to compete in para dressage whilst in the crowd at London 2012. I am unable to afford my own horse, so rely on the generosity of owners to help me fulfil my dreams.

With Ollie I was lucky enough to compete at National Championships, a Home International and to be selected for my first CPEDI1* international in 2016. Sadly Ollie went lame, and was subsequently put to sleep, before we were able to take up our international slot, however Ollie and his owner taught me so about the sport and I found myself catching the bug! I vowed I would find a way to compete Internationally in memory of Ollie, and as recognition of all her taught me.

In subsequent years I have been lucky enough to ride some talented horses, but have not been able to fully pursue competing for various reasons, outside of my control. After my last ride Frodo, very suddenly had to be retired at the end of 2019, I re-advertised for a new equine partner, and was contacted by Alice, who offered her horse Biscuit (Wonnacott). Biscuit has previously been competed at inter 1 as well as taking a para rider to 1* international level. He knows his job, and has a supportive owner, and I am excited by the opportunity. During the latter half of 2020 we have been out to 2 competitions, scoring 70% in the Grade 3 Novice test each time (a PB score for me) which has secured us enough qualifying points for the Para Winter National Championship hopefully taking place in March 2021! Our main aim for 2021 is to compete Internationally at Bishop Burton College in August.

I am dedicated to taking my journey as far as it can go, with my ultimate goal being to compete at an international competition abroad. I am currently (outside of lockdown) training on Biscuit twice a week and using a mechanical horse once a week to allow me to build my ridden fitness and improve on my experience and knowledge. This involves a 6 hours round trip by public transport. I also have personal training gym sessions once a week and do daily stretches to help my body be fit to ride as it can be. I have a Cyclossage massage bed which I use daily, see a specialist chiropractor fortnightly and an osteopath monthly to help my body remain healthy and mobile.

I was lucky to have phenomenal support from my local community as well as a loyal team of fundraisers  to make working with Ollie a possibility, and I hope that you will get behind me as I pursue my goal of competing Internationally with Biscuit. I would be honoured if you would be part of my journey to helping me achieve my dreams of competing Internationally. The competition is at Bishop Burton in Yorkshire in August and will cost in the region of £1500 to attend. This cost includes entry fees, hook up for the lorry, stabling, travel costs and accommodation for Biscuit, Alice and I. Any donation big or small would be gratefully received and see me one step closer to making this dream a reality.

If you are interested in following my journey I can be found on social media in these places
Facebook - Zoe Squirrell- Para Dressage Rider
Instagram - zoe_squirrell 
Website/Blog- https://zoesquirrellparadressage.wordpress.com