STAFFORD TRAINED RIDER ACHIEVES QUALIFICATION FOR LONDON PARALYMPICS

Rob Arro, a member of the Hong Kong Paralympic Dressage Squad, who has been based at Ingestre Stables near Stafford since February 2011 has achieved the qualification needed to compete at the London Paralympic Games this year.

Rob, with trainer Andrew Bennie, himself a former Olympic Event Rider, and Riding School horse "Jim" left last week for Northern Spain where they have competed in an international Paralympic Qualifier class.

In order to qualify riders must achieve a test score of 60% minimum. On the first day of the competition, riding in the grade one A class, Rob achieved a score of 63.39% putting him well inside the qualification criteria.

Jim, Robs horse for the competition is a school horse at Ingestre, who was kindly loaned to the stables by Sue Harcome from Herefordshire, following a successful dressage career.

Rob, who had never ridden a horse until 15 months ago started riding as a form of therapy following a severe accident in which he became totally paralysed in the whole of the left side of his body. Having always been competitive prior to his accident but in other sports, Rob decided to use the therapeutic riding to continue his love of sport and competition. In February 2011 he based himself at Ingestre Stables in order to train intensively with the hope of qualifying for London this year.

Rob is greatly aided by riding on a Solution "SMART" close contact dressage saddle, which was able through its versatility to be adapted to suit Robs needs. He is particularly grateful to Anne Bondi of Solution Saddles, whose expertise has helped enormously.

Now having gained the qualification Rob with his various trainers at Ingestre will continue to work hard, as the next ambition involves medals!

Rob, Jim and Andrew are heading to France at the end of March to contest another international Para competition, then staying in Europe to compete in Belgium and Germany in April and May. We wish them the best of luck!