Corwen horsewoman set for Beijing Paralympics

May 1 2008 By David Simister

A Corwen rider looks set to gallop all the way to the Beijing Paralympics despite having to endure a worldwide search for a new horse.

Dressage star Nicola Tustain, of Bryneglwys, reaped the rewards of her new partnership with nine-year-old horse Oldenburg by seizing victory at the Para Spring Championship Qualifier at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire.

"My success at Vale View has given me a confidence boost. We have worked very hard and things are staying to pay off for us. He is producing some really good work and our marks are proving it. I’m really pleased as we have been working really hard to maintain a consistent partnership." said the 30 year old rider, who boasts an array of medals from previous Paralympic Games.

Prinz Heinrich, Nicola’s previous horse, was injured last year and left her with no option but to find a new horse, eventually finding a choice partner in Oldenburg last November.

Nicola, who is paralysed down the right-hand side of her body, has to ride without stirrups and with just one hand on the reins. She lives with a condition called Dystonia, and also suffers from spasms on her right hand side.

Despite this she has already scored three gold and three bronze medals at previous Paralympics, held in Athens in 2004 and Sydney in 2000. She was also for the first Welsh athlete to be considered for a Laureus Award, and was named Denbighshire’s Sportswoman of the Year in 2004.