DEFYING DISEASE

How Darren is staying one step ahead of Friedreich’s ataxia…

Riding with the RDA once a week has slowed down the effects of the condition by strengthening Darren’s core and improving his posture. Mentally it has made him stronger by getting him out of the house and mixing with other people. Making himself go to the cinema on his own helped to combat nerves and anxiety. He rides his mechanical horse daily, spurred on by wanting to be even better in the saddle. Staying positive and focusing on what he CAN do, not what he can’t, is key. Darren’s next target is para dressage trials.