Photo: RNZ/Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Raquel Walker is riding high in Motueka.
As a child she struggled to walk and talk but always loved horses so learnt how to ride at the local Riding for the Disabled group (RDA).
In 2005 she was spotted on the back of a horse by equestrian performance coach Jeanette Garrett from Click With Horses.
Getting to know Raquel and how to work best to work with her abilities has been challenging for Jeanette who usually coaches able-bodied people.
"Raquel has an intellectual disability but she also has the physical disability as well, so the right side is very shortened, so riding is a great therapy because it makes her stretch the right side."
Every week they train at Catherine Thomas' equestrian ring overlooking her family's kiwifruit and apple orchard near Riwaka.
Raquel's favourite horse to ride is 17-year-old Zac.
"He's amazing and we do heaps of stuff together like dressage, obstacle trails, equitation and stuff like that," she says.
As Raquel's confidence and technical ability improved, Jeanette developed a programme that enabled her student to qualify for last years' Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games.
She won a silver and two bronze medals.
In October this year she plans to take part in the qualifying round for the next Special Olympics. It's held every four years and is the largest event for athletes with intellectual disabilities in New Zealand.
