Back in the saddle (From Worcester News)

Back in the saddle

9:13am Monday 23rd January 2012 in Equestrian By Sara Pawsey

LOCAL rider Emily Carenza chose Pershore to make her comeback after a lifethreatening road accident.

Emily was forced to spend a year out of the saddle while she recovered and doctors thought she may never ride again.

But after months pushing herself through a punishing schedule of low impact cross-training, hydrotherapy and hours training on a power plate, she made her comeback in style.

Emily, aged 27, won the dressage competition at Allens Hill Equestrian Centre in Pershore last month on her horse Roscano.

The win was all the more special as it was her first competition since the crash in November 2010, when she broke both her legs and her hip bone.

Emily, who works with her family teaching children to ride at Cotswolds Riding, Stanton, near Broadway, said: “I thought I was never going to ride again but I got the all-clear to start riding and jumping exactly a year after the accident.

“There were days I was lying in hospital and asking when I would be able to get back on a horse.

“Horse riding is a massive part of my life. I have been riding since I was three and competing in British eventing since I was 18.

“It was such a relief to be able to do what I am doing now. I had drive before but now it has doubled and I appreciate how much a positive attitude helps.

“When you can’t do something, you realise how important it is.”

The new year brings fresh challenges for Emily, who is aiming high as she hopes to begin competing at international level.

She said: “I am hoping that around August, I will compete at international level on my one horse who is at that level, Clovisto.

“I want to keep competing and go as far in advanced level eventing with one of my horses. That’s my ultimate goal.”