From premature baby to award-winning horse rider

Millie, 14, battling through pandemic

A Stirling teenager has been battling through the pandemic – with some help from Riding for the Disabled.

Millie Boo Smith was born with a fighting spirit, which has held her in good stead.

The 14-year-old was born 14 weeks premature in October 2006 weighing just 1lb 12ozs and amazingly pulled through an operation carried out at Yorkhill Hospital at just four weeks old to close a valve in her heart.

While she has cerebral palsy and severe hearing loss she has not let any difficulties stand in her way.

In particular, she discovered a love of riding and horses.

Millie Boo began horse riding at Bannockburn RDA in October 2013, initially just for therapy, but then to help with her cerebral palsy, core strength and balance.

After the facilities closed in August 2014 she, and other RDA riders, were able to continue riding from a riding school in Falkirk before being able to transfer to Equi-power, a member group of British Equestrian Vaulting, Forth Valley Disability Sport, Clubsport Stirling, Horsescotland and the Riding for the Disabled Association. The group’s members are working with Stirling

Council to establish a permanent longterm home for the charity on land at

Kildean in Stirling.

While lockdown restricted her activities, Riding for the Disabled has nevertheless provided a lifeline for Millie Boo and many others.

Dad Steven said: “Millie Boo has been keeping herself busy during lockdown. As well as completing RDA online learning she also met up weekly with Equi-power her riding group and worked through horse care, horse knowledge and BHS accreditation.

“She also secured three Hi5 awards through St Modan’s High School for her craftwork, horse care and baking.

“She took part in the Kiltwalk and helped me raise over £800 for Equipower. She was shown on her school’s Wall of Wonder for her fundraising raiding achievements.

“She also took part in a national RDA craft competition securing a first, third and fifth placed rosettes.

“Finally in September she returned to what she loves best – horse riding. The benefits of equine therapy for Millie’s health and well-being are priceless. There are no national or regional riding competitions this year but she does hope to compete in an online dressage competition later in the year.”

Millie Boo is just one example of just how Equi-power, and its predecessor Bannockburn Riding for the Disabled, have made a huge difference to the lives of individuals across Forth Valley.

“As well as riding and dressage Millie is also starting vaulting with Equipower and the combined riding and vaulting made a huge impact on her confidence, core strength and balance,” said Steven.