Hello, I’m Angela Lyons a  High Performance Para Equestrian rider from  Blarney, Co.Cork, Ireland

When I was a teenager I show jumped to a very National level but after a severe fall which broke my hip, pelvis and femur,  I couldn’t showjump any more. Giving up riding was not an option for me so I took up dressage and this has become the sport I love.

Even with my leg disability I won over 11 National Titles at various levels and I also represented Team Ireland successfully at Para Equestrian Dressage. Chronic pain forced me to get a hip replacement quite young and it didn’t go very well. My tibial nerve was torn which led to limited use of my foot and muscle damage-. I thought I would never ride again. The photo of my horse by my bed made me keep trying and not give up. It took about 4yrs but I got back to riding and competing. Unfortunately when things seemed like they were turning around i started to get symptoms of joint pain and fatigue , I was then diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  This is an incurable auto immune disease that affects my joints, lungs and eyes. Yet another setback  and this time it was a bigger struggle to get back in the saddle.  Medications have to be injected weekly and trying to find one that works has been difficult.

 

GET KNOCKED DOWN, GET UP AGAIN

 

Through these tough times my horses and desire to get back out competing, have kept me going. Goal Setting was also very important to me. You need  goals in life and I have some big ones! The European Para Equestrian Championships and even bigger ,The Paralympics in Tokyo . My partner in this adventure is my horse Woodcroft Santa Cruz ( Tommy to his friends).

 

THIS IS WHERE YOUR SUPPORT COMES IN.

 

I am on track for  qualification for the European Championships and have already achieved my International qualifying scores. Funding for Para Equestrian sport is  very limited and to be in with a chance of both European and Paralympic qualification I must attend the 3* competitions in the UK and Europe. Each of these events cost in the region of 1500 to 2000euros.

Entry fee 600euros

Transport of horse  600euros

Competition expenses  200 to 800euros

Any money raised will be put towards competition and travel costs. I am dedicated to the sport I love and am no stranger to hard work.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and any donation no matter how little or large will be hugely appreciated! I hope you are inspired by this determined if slightly wonky Para Equestrian rider and decide to become a part of this journey with me and my four legged friend Tommy. It’s a big challenge but we are up for it!

WHAT IS LIFE WITHOUT A CHALLENGE