Emma's Story

 

Emma Kent was born on the 21st March 1987 with Holt Oram Syndrome. Holt-Oram syndrome affects the heart and the arms, so Emma has severely shortened abnormally developed arms, and was born with an atrial septal defect which was operated on at Great Ormond Street in 1991. Emma also has sinus node disease, bradycardia and very low blood pressure. 

 

Emma began riding aged 18 months old with Bexley RDA and moved to the Arrow Riding Centre when she was thirteen years old. From here this is where her passion for competing and chasing her dreams began. At the Arrow she met Harmony the pony, who kickstarted her paradressage career with wins at RDA Regional and National level. 

 

Emma is an RDA group instructor, UKCC Level one coach and has a degree in Equine Science BSc (Hons) which she completed at Writtle College and Hadlow College. Emma was a member of the World Class Development Squad from 2003 to 2012. Emma has had many successes during her career starting with many titles at RDA Regional and National level with her beloved Friesian Riemkje. 

 

Then in 2006 after a long search, Gentle, a 15.3hh chestnut gelding by Flemmingh was found. During their time together they have won Junior and Young rider international titles, even being awarded the highest-scoring young rider of the whole competition. Gentle and Emma have won the British Dressage Winter Grade III National title twice, the British Dressage National grade III title and have had International Senior titles.

 

Emma and Gentle have competed for Great Britain over a number of years having successes in their grade and were shortlisted for The World Championships in 2007 and qualified for final selection for London 2012. Emma has had many successes with Gentle in able bodied affiliated level qualifying for the area festival Winter Championships at Elementary level. 

 

Emma trains with Angela Weiss, an international Grand Prix dressage rider who has helped GB win 27 paradressage medals. Paralympian Sophie Wells is a great support to Emma offering her guidance and advice. Emma commutes to Nottingham (where Angela is based) on a weekly basis. Emma’s younger horse Zandokan II is a 10 year old, bright bay, 16.2hh KWPN by Concorde on who she is beginning her partnership to start competing in paradressage. Emma has started competing him at elementary level.  

 

Emma is currently sponsored by Nettex and Speedgate Saddlery. She says her successes would not be achievable without the help and support of the staff at the centre.