Emma Sheardown – International
Para Dressage Rider
Emma being presented with her new saddle from Nikki Newcombe, along with trainer Angela Weiss
We are excited to welcome Emma Sheardown to Team Bliss.
Emma is based with her trainer Angela Weiss in
Nottinghamshire.
Being born with Cerebral Palsy, Emma’s balance and the
co-ordination of both arms and legs are affected, so finding the right saddle
for Emma was crucial, as every little extra detail to enhance performance can
help. Emma feedback was wonderful,
“I have been riding in
my new Paramour Dressage saddle courtesy of ‘ Bliss of London’ for six weeks
now and I can’t believe the difference that it has made to both my horse,
Purdy’s Dream (Eddie) and myself.
Eddie has never been
an easy horse to saddle fit, but I am thrilled now to have a saddle that
actually looks comfortable and stable on his back and allows him to move
freely. On a recent visit from my Equine Physiotherapist, she commented on how
much freer Eddie’s shoulders were and how because they are now freer, improved
muscle tone has started to develop.
From my point of view,
over the last six months I have been working on the Lunge to basically re-build
my position from scratch. This has been a long process, as I have had to focus
on each area of my position individually and make sure that that area is solid
before piecing it all back together again. As soon as I sat in my new Bliss
Saddle it was like being given the ‘Key to a door!’ The saddle sat me in a more
classic riding position straight away which meant that all my ‘check-list’
areas that I have been working on, became much more accessible to me!! I have
even dropped down three holes on my stirrups and I am now very proud to be able
to have a leg position that I have always dreamed of, but never been able to
achieve! A big thank you to Nikki and Bliss Of London!! “
Emma started riding at the age of 2 after recommendation
from her physiotherapist and developed through the wondrous organisation of the
RDA, at the age of 16 she was introduced to dressage.
“In 2004 I was first
selected onto the World Class Para Dressage Development Squad, and in 2010
after winning a Gold and a Silver Medal at the 2009 European Championships, and
a Gold and a Bronze Medal at the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG), I was
promoted onto the World Class Performance Squad: British Equestrian Federation
/ British Equestrian Teams”
Although very narrowly missing out on London 2012 she is no
stranger to international competition as her achievements show:
2012 - Short-listed for the 2012 London Paralympic
Games
2011 - European Championships, Moorselle, Belgium Individual Silver Medal, Freestyle Silver
Medal & Team Gold
2010 - World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA Individual Bronze Medal & Freestyle Gold
Medal
2010 - Selected onto the World Class Performance
Squad
2010 - Hartpury CPEDI***
1st, 2nd & 3rd
2010 - British Dressage Para Summer Championships,
Hickstead Won both Grade 1A classes,
& came 2nd in the overall Freestyle
2010 - Moorselle CPEDI***, Belgium Won both Grade 1A classes
2009 - European Championships, Norway Individual Silver Medal & Freestyle Gold
Medal
2009 - Moorselle CPEDI***, Belgium Won all three grade 1A classes
2008 - Long-listed for the 2008 Paralympic Games
2007 - Paralympic Games Qualifier, Norway Won all three Grade 1A classes
2006 - Saint Lo CPEDI**, France Won all three Grade 1A classes
2006 - Millfield CPEDJI, Great Britain Won both Grade 1A classes, & third
overall
2004 - Madrid, Spain
Won two Grade 1A classes, & came Second in the Kur
2004 - First selected onto the World Class Development
Programme
Emma rides and owns Purdy’s Dream aka Eddie, 1998 Bay 17hh
Warmblood X gelding by Fandor
Currently working at Level:
Working Elementary / Medium.
Like Emma, Eddie is Lincolnshire born and bred. Emma says “ To me Eddie is a perfect gentleman
and is lovely to work with and around. He always tries his best and really does
look after me!!”
“Working with riders at any level is always rewarding to see
how much a correctly fitting saddle can enhance performance, however for Emma
this truly has been remarkable, with makes it even more worthwhile. The difference in her overall position was
almost instant and we really look forward to helping as part of her support
team, with the WEG in Normandy next year and of course looking forward to Rio
2016” Nikki Newcombe.
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