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A 25-year-old from Jersey is set to become the first person to represent the island in national championships for disabled riders after winning his regional heat - despite having only met his horse the day before.
Ryan Le Monnier, who is autistic and has dyspraxia, came first in the Grade 7 dressage walk/trot class at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Southwest Regional Dressage and Countryside Qualifier in Cornwall.
This means that the 25-year-old has now qualified for the RDA National Championships in July at Hartpury College.
He is the first rider to represent Jersey for either the regional qualifier or the National finals.
Pictured: Ryan came first out of six competitors in his class.
Making the achievement even more special was the fact Ryan only met his horse Wexford, a cob, the day before and had very limited time to ride and get to know him.
In 2021, the competition was held virtually due to covid restrictions and Ryan came third in his dressage walk/trot class via video, but attending the event in person in the UK this year has been "very exciting".
Ryan has been riding since he was nine but only started dressage four years ago, which he has found a real passion for.
Pictured: Ryan on his horse, Wexford, who he only had one day to get to know.
He has also been a keen volunteer with Riding for the Disabled Jersey Group since 2016, leading ponies for the disabled children who ride at the charity’s base at Le Claire Stables.
Ryan and his family would like to say a "massive thank you to RDA Jersey for giving him this opportunity and also Home Farm Equestrian Club for all their support and to everyone who has helped him on his journey".
Inclusive club helps disabled horse rider reach dressage success
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