Emma Sheardown – a grade IA paradressage rider – was born in January 1985 in Lincolnshire with cerebral palsy, affecting her balance and coordination.
Emma began riding aged two to help with her physical development and became a member of the Riding for the Disable Association (RDA) aged seven.
By the time Emma was 16 she was competing in grade IA paradressage.
After achieving a distinction in her animal management diploma, Emma won gold and silver in the European Championships in 2009.
This was shortly followed by paradressage gold and bronze at the World Equestrian Games in 2010.
Emma was then rewarded with promotion into the World Class Performance Squad.
She aims to go on to compete at the London 2012 games with her horse Purdy’s Dream, also known as Eddie.
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