A BARNARD Castle volunteer has launched a fundraising campaign to help a disabled horse rider take part in a regional competition.
Jacquie Warner, who helps out at the Richmond and Catterick Riding for the Disabled (RDA), is hoping to raise £300 to help Morgan Thornton, take part in a special RDA event that is being held at Hartpury, Gloucestershire.
Ms Thornton has been a member of the RAD for 15 years, taking up dressage as a personal challenge.
Ms Warner said: “From a 20-year-old with limited interaction she has blossomed into a helpful and competent young lady, thanks in no small part to her love of horses.
“Her first dressage test resulted in a fifth – quite an achievement in such a short time – and at the recent regional championship she came first in her class, qualifying for the national championships at Hartpury, Gloucestershire.
“Imagine her disappointment when her class on the Sunday was cancelled due to the extreme heat.”
The chance to compete comes again as she qualified, after a video submission, for her class in the RDA special event, which is being held at Hartpury on August 23 alongside the high-profile British Dressage Equissage Pulse two-day festival.
Ms Warner said: “Apart from competing, Morgan will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with some para champions – a dream harboured since the 2012 London Olympics.
She added: “I volunteer on Saturday and know Morgan well. She is so helpful to me, especially when I do not know the horse I am meant to be tacking up and I rely on her to tell me.
“The group relies entirely on donations and funding, which remain in short supply not only with ongoing costs during lockdowns and restart costs but also are now being impacted by the current economic climate. Therefore, I felt it was necessary for me to do my bit to raise some funds for her to cover some of the costs involved as she competes at Hartpury.”
Anyone wanting to contribute to the fundraising campaign can visit www.just giving.com/crowdfunding/ jacquie-warner
She added: “The page tells the reader more of Morgan’s story. It is a modest target, and it is clear just what horses have done for Morgan.
“Therefore, I hope people will dig deep and support her as she realises her dream. Just a few pounds will make such a huge difference.”
