Posted: 11th July 2016 | Back to news feed
Jenny Litston has lived and breathed horses from the age of three when she first started riding, and going on to fulfil her dream of becoming a jockey, with the pinnacle of her career seeing her crowned Champion Lady jockey.
At the height of her success Jenny won a Hunter Chase at Cheltenham before a terrible accident at Larkhill Racecourse, where her stirrup broke.
Jenny from Wookey near Wells, was in a coma for three months and the resulting brain damage caused severe disability down her right side and she was faced with a long road of rehabilitation to regain some balance and learn to walk and talk.
As riding was a big part of Jenny’s life, it was inevitable that this would form part of her rehabilitation and she was determined not to let it stop her from continuing her passion for horses.
Jenny began attending Burcott RDA centre, Somerset very early in her rehabilitation, gradually gaining strength over many years, progressing from needing three helpers to riding independently.
Having ridden to a high standard prior to her accident, Jenny was keen to advance her skills to try and recapture some of her old self.
At this point Jenny moved to Divoky Riding School in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Run by Pat Bishop, Divoky Riding Centre is an Accessibility Mark accredited centre.
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) participation programme launched the Accessibility Mark scheme to encourage those who do not already partake in equestrian activities or would not usually have the opportunity to do so, to experience the many benefits that riding can bring.
Setting new goals, Jenny’s desire to compete was once again ignited with encouragement from the team at Divoky, she was determined to do well and hopefully win.
Inspired by Champion jockey Tony McCoy and his never say die attitude, Jenny headed to nearby Kingfisher Equestrian with her trusty stead Brandy to compete in her first ever dressage competition.
“After the thrill of racing, dressage seemed a bit boring; however it was the only way I could see myself compete again,” said Jenny.
With the help of Pat Bishop, who was on hand to read the test, Jenny was delighted to secure second place with 65%.
Pat said of Jenny’s achievements: “Jenny has worked with dedicated passion to get to where she is, she is never happy with her performance, always wanting to do better, and achieve more.
“The relationship between her and the pony is beautiful to watch, they both try so hard. I would love to be able to find a classically trained horse for Jenny to progress on, Brandy is 27-years-old now and although fit and well Jenny’s talent and ambitions are beyond what she is capable of.”
Jenny would encourage others in a similar position to seek out an Accessibility Mark accredited centre: “My advice to anyone who would like to take up riding or who thought it wouldn’t be possible is to carry on, have a go and enjoy it.”
Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that they offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure they provide you with a first class service and an experience that aims to be hugely beneficial. There are currently 32 Accessibility Mark approved centres across the country.
To find your nearest RDA Group visit: http://www.equestrianindex.com/services/equestrian-centres/riding-for-the-disabled-groups or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk.
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