Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru
The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (FDSW) is a pan-disability National Governing Body of Sport Which aims to promote and develop quality sports opportunities
TUSTAIN MAKES UP FOR PARALYMPICS DISAPPOINTMENT BY WINNING NATIONALS
Corwen dressage star Nicola Tustain has put the disappointment of missing out on the Beijing Paralympics behind her by winning the National Dressage Championships – for the seventh time in her career.
Nicola triumphed in the KBIS Para Dressage Class Grade 11 at the Blue Waters National Dressage Championships held at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth on 19 September.
Riding out a winning score of 70% on new horse “Rivaldo of Berkeley”, Nicola was thrilled with her performance and with her burgeoning partnership with the 10-year-old Oldenberg Gelding.
She said, “I am so thrilled to have won the Grade 11 class and become National Champion for the seventh time in my career.
“It has been a difficult but hectic year as I only started competing Rivaldo of Berkeley in March 2008. And having not been selected for the Paralympic Games first team but as a reserve for Beijing, the National Championships was the next big competition.
“I’ve had a fantastic Summer which has ended on a high for everyone who has been involved. I’m so very lucky to have been given this opportunity; not only to have such special horses to ride but to have the best owners anyone could ever wish. The Berkeley Group has given such tremendous support to me since 2003.”
Tustain is a competitor in freestyle and dressage – a type of competition in which a panel of judges award points for the performance of the horse and rider in a series of movements, testing the rider’s control and the horse’s training.
The 30-year-old rider is paralysed down the right-hand side of her body. This means that she must ride without stirrups and with just one hand on the reins. She also has spasms down her right side due to a condition called dystonia.
She is supported by The National Lottery and has also secured the support of a principal sponsor, The Berkeley Group. She is also supported by Albion Saddlemakers, Ariat International, Patey Hats, Lowlands Farm and The North Wales Sports Injury Clinic.
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