JUDGE IMPRESSED IN RDA FINAL

STANDARDS were high in the SEIB Riding for the Disabled (RDA) final, where, in front of a supportive crowd, victory went to grade IV rider Tracy Steel with John Hackett’s 16-year-old Johan’s Debut.

Support came from within the ring, too, as when Tyne and Wear based Tracy — a hyper-mobility syndrome and fibromyalgia sufferer — noticed fellow-competitor Isabella Benfield, 13, was becoming distressed in the busy warm-up area, she stepped in to help. Her young protegee, who has cerebral palsy, went on to be second with her mother Alison’s Cookies And Cream.

“Isabella looked a bit overwhelmed so I suggested she walk round with us,” explained Tracy. “We spent our warm-up time together, and I kept an eye out for her when the class started.

“I was just as thrilled for her as I was with ‘Devlin’, who was brilliant. He went into the ring and just got on with it.”

“I was very impressed with all the riders,” added judge Jane Holderness-Roddam, who officiated alongside Rob Walker and Tim Price. “Their presentation was excellent and it was noticeable how much more professional they were this time.”