Disabled boy sets record at college’s first dressage event

The event saw more than 30 disabled competitors from five nations, including Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, Bermuda, Croatia and Great Britain, take part in three days of top-flight competition at the college’s equine centre.

Michael Murphy, 14, who is confined to a wheelchair when not riding, set a record by becoming the youngest ever winner of a senior para-dressage competition in UK.

He overcame the blow of his horse Pebbly Tarragon being declared unfit and was given the ride on Sophie Christiansen’s Paralympic horse Lambrusco III by the Para Dressage Training Trust.

He said: “I only got the ride on Lambrusco a week ago. He’s a brilliant horse and it’s a privilege to ride him. I’m really happy with how the tests have gone – it’s a great place to ride and it’s great to go into the arena and know you can do it.”

College principal Jeanette Dawson said she was delighted by how the event had gone.

“It’s been great to see such a competitive competition,” she said. “However, one that also contains so much friendship, fellowship and good spirit is an awesome competition.

“The standard has been superb and for that we must thank not only the riders, their friends, families and supporters, but also the judges and officials and organisations such as British Dressage, and the FEI, all of whom make a fantastic event like this possible.”