A disabled rider from Watlington fought off competition to gain first place at the National Riding for the Disabled Dressage Championships, held at Hartpury College, Glos on July 12 -14.
Michelle Alflatt, representing West Norfolk RDA, based at the Magpie Centre, gained an impressive 68.09%, riding Simba, a piebald cob. RDA riders are graded according to their disability and Michelle, who has cerebral palsy rides at Grade 1. Junior rider Jessa Seekings, riding Buddy, also put in a good performance to place third in her class.
Three other Magpie Centre riders also qualified at the Regional competition, held at Milton College in May and competed at the Nationals. They are: Aynsley Calvert, Robert Baldwin and Annabelle Glegg.
Said Michelle: ‘It was a fantastic experience, but Simba and I couldn’t have done it without our wonderful team, including Magpie Centre Yard Manager Natalie Dade and RDA Group Instructor Jo Gordon, who transported the ponies, looked after them and prepared them for us to ride.’
Next up for the Magpie Centre is the Open Day, Saturday August 17, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm, which includes various equine related demonstrations, carriage rides, craft stalls, meet the horses, a children’s craft tent and much more.
Admission is £1 per person, under 5’s free (cash only, please) and free parking. Dogs are not allowed at this event, except service assistance dogs. Refreshments available.
If any group organisers need a speaker for one of their meetings and participants would like to learn about the history and work of West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled, please call the Centre on 01553 810202 or 01553 828935 and we shall be pleased to arrange this. We do not charge a set fee but suggest a minimum donation of £30.
We are still on the lookout for two equines on loan. We need a 14.2hh riding pony, plus a 15.2 hh riding or ride and drive horse. Must be well-behaved and sound in all three paces. If you know of one, please call the Magpie Centre on 01553 810202.

