WREXHAM RIDER STARS IN FRANCE
Wrexham Para-Equestrian rider, Natalie Povey competed recently at the IPC Para Equestrian French Open, in Bischwiller. Natalie came Second on the first day, and won Gold in her class on the next two days. Her scores were high – 67%, 68% and 71.9%. BEF Performance Director, David Hamer, had set her the target of getting a score of 70%, so she was very pleased to have met that.
In her first international event, she coped well, and managed the atmosphere and pressure really well- and the heat- 39 degrees and 55% humidity for two out of the three days.
As well as Natalie and her horse, Fizz, her Coach Tess Chew from Clwyd Special Riding Centre in Wrexham travelled with the GB Team. Tess was supported to go to the event by the Continued Personal Development Scheme run by Disability Sport Wales.
Natalie has also been supported through the North Wales Regional Institute of Sport, with services such as Strength & Conditioning, Physiotherapists and Nutritionists being provided by the Sports Council of Wales.
FDSW Academy Manager, Gerwyn Owen, said: ‘I have been working with Natalie and Tess over the last few months to ensure they have the appropriate level of support locally to them. I was very pleased to hear of the amazing results she attained at an International event, under some severe circumstances. Natalie, along with Fizz, are becoming a partnership to watch out for. Already she has beaten World Class GB Riders in other events. The focus is very much on London 2012, and we at Disability Sport Wales will ensure she has the appropriate support to reach her goal’.
‘Also on top of the support we have given Natalie, we also see the benefit of supporting Coaches within the structure, and was happy to assist Tess Chew to travel with the GB squad to France for the event. The experience she would have had amongst the squad, and observing other riders and coaches will be a huge benefit to, not just to Natalie, but all the riders at Clwyd Special Riding Centre.’
Tess Chew said: ‘Many, many thanks for all your help in getting her, Fizz and me to Bischwiller!’
She has now been invited to attend a Three Star International at Hartpury in Glos on the 16- 18 July, so she’s now preparing for that.
For further information on para-equestrian or riding for the disabled contact Clwyd Special Riding Centre on info@clwydspecialridingcentre.org.uk
