Name: Amanda Shirtcliffe
Horse: Ranger (Owned by Averina Snow)
FEI Classification Driver Grade: 1
Driving credentials: Absolutely none!

That’s right, you read that correctly, to date I have not driven in an official competition, in fact, I’ve barely driven at all! But that’s all about to change… at least I hope it is.

What I can tell you is I’ve spent the best part of 10yrs embedded into the Para World Class system as an International para dressage rider.

So how is I’ve landed up carriage driving you ask? A weird twist of fate and a chance opportunity created by a good friend Di Green who started the Para Equestrian Foundation and invited me to come and have a go (I blame her entirely!). One session later and I was hooked🛞.

Don’t worry I haven’t sacked off the dressage, but I will be taking a short sabbatical as my body can’t cope with the competitive demands of two disciples at the same time. So, for the forthcoming 2025 season I’ll be dedicating myself to competitive carriage driving, and (trust me, I realise how ridiculous the next sentence is going to sound)…I’ll be throwing my hat into the ring and aiming for selection to the 2025 FEI Para Driving World Championships!

Yes, I’m fully aware I’m very much the underdog in a field full of proven para drivers. But as the phrase goes “take the risk or lose the chance”. So here we are, Ranger and I about to embark on a rather ambitious equestrian adventure together. Will we reach the destination? Who knows, but I’m determined to give it my best shot 💪.