Rebecca and Coco are off to riding event (From Ilkley Gazette)

Rebecca and Coco are off to riding event

12:00pm Friday 25th May 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack

A Wharfedale girl will represent Yorkshire in the National Riding for the Disabled Association Championships this summer.

Nine-year-old Rebecca Picken, of Ilkley, earned her place in the event – which takes place in Gloucestershire in July – by taking the first junior spot in the Regional Qualifier at Middleton Park Equestrian Centre.

The qualifier also proved a success for other Otley and District RDA riders, who took the other top four places in the junior section and the first in the seniors.

Rebecca's mum, Karen, said: “Rebecca, who is a confident rider, has a genuine affinity with horses and has been riding since she was two.

“She has been a member of the Otley and District Riding for the Disabled Association since she was four.

“Riding horses provides a great boost to her self-esteem and also helps the curvature in her spine.

“She normally has two modes, 'full on' and 'on strike', so it’s fingers crossed for the former on the day of the finals.

“Coco the pony, who Rebecca adores, deserves a special mention as he is so calm and reliable, making him an ideal horse ideal for working with Riding for the Disabled Association children."

To find out more about the Riding for the Disabled Association contact Judy Olby on (01943) 603111 or send an e-mail to olbyj@tesco.net.