A Future Star for Ireland Gains Valuable Experience

Extract from article in โ Horse and Houndโ weekly magazine (August) โ
The door opened for upcoming Irish para star Kate Reilly to claim her first international win, with Hadena in the grade III freestyle. The nine-year-old Cashmir mare and 13-year-old Katie only made their competitive debut in December, stepping up to ride for Ireland at their first international at Hartpury in July.
โWe only got her last year, and sheโs helped me come on a lot. I never thought Iโd win something as big as this,โ said Katie, who has cerebral palsy.
โSheโs been such a genuine mare,โ added Katieโs mother Karen. โJudy Reynolds and Heike Holstein both tried her and said she would be perfect for paraโ.
There were double celebrations due, with Katie receiving news that the night before the show that she obtained GCSEโs in English and maths, three years early. โKatie is home-schooled โ we made the decision before lock-down because of her fatigue levels,โ explained Karen. โWe have restructured her whole day around riding and we have such a good balance now.โ
Bishop Burton
Story by Horse & Hound
August 2021