A LEADING local young para-equestrian dressage rider Edward Chanin, from Thorverton is looking for a new horse to support his bid to take part in a future Paralympic Games.

Ed, who is on the British Equestrian Federation's UK Sport funded World Class Development Programme, is hunting for a new ride following the retirement of his top horse, Rhadamanthus.

He also has Tarina, owned by Beverley Brown, with whom he is quickly building a partnership and hopes to find a new second ride to support his quest for medal success.

"I'm looking for a new horse to join my yard with Mrs T (Tarina)," said Ed. "We need a horse with a good walk and good temperament, either on loan or to buy. They can be sure of a good home with me – I have regular tuition from my trainers; Nina Venebles and Jai Bratton."

Ed suffered a life threatening fall as a jockey when he was 18 – the head injury left him with no use of his right arm and leg. He also suffered from MRSA and the C-dif virus. Against all odds he insisted on riding again and this then progressed to him wanting to compete, so he took up dressage, at both able bodied and para-equestrian dressage events.

He quickly became successful, being selected onto the World Class Development Programme in 2009 and winning the KBIS National Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships in 2010.

Ed, who is a Grade II rider, has no strength in his right arm or leg, so rides with one hand and no stirrups. Along with the World Class Development Programme he is also supported by the Injured Jockeys Fund, Classic Canes, Brinicombe Equine, and Philip Carr (farrier).

Funded by UK Sport, the Development Programme works with talented riders to maximise their potential and deliver success.

The Programme underpins World Class Performance and, with the Equine Pathway, they comprise the Equestrian World Class Programme.

It incorporates the Olympic sports of dressage, eventing, showjumping and the Paralympic sport of para-equestrian dressage.

The Programme has been funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, through Exchequer and National Lottery funds, via UK Sport, since 1998.

If you know of a horse that may be suitable for Ed, either to loan or buy please get in touch by telephoning 01884 855494 or 07734 322 091.