Prancing to the Paralympics
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Amanda Shirtcliffe and I am a Para Dressage Rider competing for Team GBR.
In 2012 I was diagnosed with Dystonia, an incurable neurological movement disorder. My legs, arms, and neck are affected, as is my balance, co-ordination and motor skills. As the disease progresses my body is a lot less obliging than it used to be, getting back in the saddle and regaining my balance is something I’ve had to work hard at.
Most people in my position would be content at just being able to ride, but for me it wasn’t enough, I missed the electrifying buzz and nervous energy of a competition arena.
In 2013 I started competing in Para Dressage and by 2016 I was selected onto the World Class Para Dressage Pathway and commenced competing for Team GBR at international level.
As it turns out, I'm pretty good at prancing about on ponies! At the start of this year I was ranked 6th in the World (within my grade) and the highest placed Brit.
My aim between now and 2024 is to go for gold and represent Great Britain at a Games. I currently have two top trotters which are aiming towards Tokyo 2020 and a couple of younger prancing prospects that are preparing for Paris 2024.
Each one of these athletic animals is more than capable of winning a medal for our country, but funding my four-legged friends and galloping around the globe to compete for selection comes at great cost.
So, I’m here to ask for some financial help to fund competition expenses as I trot towards Tokyo and prep for Paris. Any donation will be greatly received and ploughed directly into funding my donkey dancing Paralympic dream.
A huge thank you in advance. Stay tuned here for competition and training updates. For more of an insight into my para pursuits please follow me on Facebook & Instagram @Dystonicdiva.
In 2012 I was diagnosed with Dystonia, an incurable neurological movement disorder. My legs, arms, and neck are affected, as is my balance, co-ordination and motor skills. As the disease progresses my body is a lot less obliging than it used to be, getting back in the saddle and regaining my balance is something I’ve had to work hard at.
Most people in my position would be content at just being able to ride, but for me it wasn’t enough, I missed the electrifying buzz and nervous energy of a competition arena.
In 2013 I started competing in Para Dressage and by 2016 I was selected onto the World Class Para Dressage Pathway and commenced competing for Team GBR at international level.
As it turns out, I'm pretty good at prancing about on ponies! At the start of this year I was ranked 6th in the World (within my grade) and the highest placed Brit.
My aim between now and 2024 is to go for gold and represent Great Britain at a Games. I currently have two top trotters which are aiming towards Tokyo 2020 and a couple of younger prancing prospects that are preparing for Paris 2024.
Each one of these athletic animals is more than capable of winning a medal for our country, but funding my four-legged friends and galloping around the globe to compete for selection comes at great cost.
So, I’m here to ask for some financial help to fund competition expenses as I trot towards Tokyo and prep for Paris. Any donation will be greatly received and ploughed directly into funding my donkey dancing Paralympic dream.
A huge thank you in advance. Stay tuned here for competition and training updates. For more of an insight into my para pursuits please follow me on Facebook & Instagram @Dystonicdiva.
Organizer
Amanda Shirtcliffe
Organizer
England
