Posted: 2nd July 2015 | Back to news feed
Equestrian Direct Surfaces are delighted to welcome on board Heather Bennett as a new sponsored rider.
Goole based para dressage rider Heather Bennett is one of just six para equestrian dressage riders selected onto the 2014-2016 UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Development Programme.
An experienced International show jumper, Heather has been riding since she was three years old, progressing from Pony Club to riding clubs until she was able to turn her a passion into her career. Heather went on to training with renowned show jumping legend Paul Schockemöhle and enjoyed many seasons travelling throughout Europe competing at Grand Prix level.
However, in 2003 Heather suffered a life changing fall from a horse whilst competing and left Heather with a broken neck and the prospect of never riding again. Although Heather was told that she would never ride again, a life without horses was never an option, and two years later Heather finally got back into the saddle.
Heather very quickly realised that although she had begun riding again, resuming her career as a show jumper was not an option. A chance encounter with the late Jane Goldsmith a member of the FEI Para Equestrian Committee, and founder of Para Dressage quickly saw Heather talent spotted and encouraged to start riding in Para dressage.
So began Heather’s rise to Championship level as a para dressage rider with her horse Tika and a successful 2014 has seen Heather ride both in the UK and Europe representing Team GB in Moorsele.
Heather is now aiming to represent Great Britain at the European Championships and Olympic Games with the goal of being selected for Rio 2016.
Heather trains at home on Equestrian Direct surfaces which are down in her indoor and outdoor arenas. She has recently had them topped up with Flexiride and is delighted by the performance of the surfaces. “Equestrian Direct Surfaces are top quality and fantastic to ride on,” said Heather. “I’m thrilled to have been given this sponsorship opportunity and look forward to working with Equestrian Direct in the future,” she added.
Jocelyn Riley of Equestrian Direct Surfaces commented: “We are delighted to be working with Heather who is a talented and dedicated rider. She has a great bond with her horses and it’s a partnership that we are very keen to follow in the future.”
For more information or a free quote contact Equestrian Direct Ltd on 01564 794020 or visit www.equestriandirectltd.co.uk
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