Royal honour for teen who’s battled so much
A Stirling teenager who has battled from birth to overcome challenges has been presented with a top Riding for the Disabled honour by none other than HRH Princess Anne.
Millie Boo Smith, aged 14, 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.
Now she has now been named RDA Participant of the Year after being nominated by local Equi-Power organisers, who described her as a “shining example”, citing her achiements, courage, resilience and team spirit.
Proud dad Steven says Millie’s achievements are all the more treasured by the family given her precarious start in life
“It was a long journey to the RDA National Training Centre [in Warwick] so that Millie could receive her award from Princess Anne - but well worth it especially to see the look on Millie’s face.
“It’s not easy for Millie having cerebral palsy, some learning difficulties and being deaf - but being born at only 26 weeks we sometimes feel we are lucky that Millie has fought every step of the way.
“And she’s always done it with a smile.
“Horse riding has been an amazing experience for Millie but has given her so much. Riding has meant no operations or Botox in her legs and has kept her fit and healthy.
“We thought just being nominated was a fantastic achievement, however we are absolutely overwhelmed that she won and incredibly proud of her for her hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.”
National RDA volunteer development projects coordinator Faye McKenning described Millie as “a truly remarkable individual”.
“She epitomises what RDA is all about, championing ‘it’s what you can do that counts,’” added Faye. “She has had great success in both ridden and vaulting competitions as well as gaining multiple qualifications and taking part in fundraising for her group.
“Since telling Millie’s dad she had won the award it has been lovely to get to know the family and a real privilege to share this experience with them. Getting to finally meet them and watch Millie receive her award was an honour.
“Millie is one to watch for the future as I am sure this is just the beginning for her.”
A spokesperson for local charity Equi-Power Central Scotland said: “We would like to congratulate Millie, who had the honour of being awarded RDA UK’s Participant of the Year 2021 by Princess Anne.
The award is testimony to her hard work and dedication and the many challenges she has overcome.”
Equi-Power was set up in 2015 to provide therapeutic, learning, and sporting activities with horses for children and adults with disabilities in central Scotland, following the devastating closure of the Bannockburn Riding for the Disabled (RDA) group, which provided activities with horses for disabled people.
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. She joined Equi-Power in 2019.
As well as her equestrian achievements, she has been recognised twice by Youth Scotland Hi 5 awards for volunteering, and recognised by the National Saltire Award scheme.
More on Equi-Power at www.equi-power.org/home