Hi, I’m Chelsea Butcher a para dressage rider competing in Grade 3 level. I’ve been involved in para dressage for just under a year representing the South & East of England. My ultimate goal is to reach the top of the sport, with dreams of competing at the Paralympics in LA 2028 or Brisbane 2032.

Most recently, we competed at the Winter championships, where we achieved two personal bests and finished 2nd on both days! It was an incredible experience, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come in a short space of time.

My journey into para dressage started when I was navigating the complex classification process. It was a daunting experience, but with the support of organizations like the Para Equestrian Foundation, I was able to gain confidence, understand my eligibility, and step into the arena as an official para athlete. Since then, I’ve competed at some incredible events, including the Summer Nationals, where I placed 5th and 6th.

I currently compete with my 14.1hh New Forest pony, who may be small but certainly doesn’t lack personality! Managing his fitness has been a journey in itself, as he’s naturally a little round and also has arthritis. This means we focus a lot on careful management, balancing his workload with road hacking, schooling, and plenty of variety to keep him happy and sound. Despite the challenges, he always gives me his best in the arena, and together we continue to improve.

One of the biggest things I’ve gained from para dressage is confidence—both in my abilities and in the sport itself. It’s not just about competing; it’s about the amazing community, the learning opportunities, and pushing myself to be better every time I step into the saddle.

I’m really excited to be writing this blog each month and sharing more about my experiences, training, and competitions. Hopefully, it gives some insight into the world of para dressage and inspires others to chase their own equestrian dreams.