Competitor Interview – Kathryn Gallagher

1^st YR (65.18) / 2^nd Grade IV / 1^st YR Freestyle (68.08)

Kathryn Gallagher (19) hails from Nottinghamshire and currently competes at Grade IV level with her 8-year-old KWPN gelding Waragon.

“I was riding as soon as I was old enough to be put on a horse,” said Kathryn. “I was involved with the Pony Club – doing some showing and things and was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition which only affects females at the age of 12.

“My mum noticed that I seemed to have stopped growing, we went to the doctors and I was diagnosed with Turner’s.”

Kathryn developed an interest in dressage through her association with dressage instructor Andrew Day on whose yard her horse was stabled.

“I was classified as a Grade IV Para rider at 14 and have been competing ever since although this is my first big competition. I’m also going to compete at able-bodied this summer.”

Kathryn, who attends Nottingham Trent University where she is studying Phsychology with Sports Science, has had a lot of support from friend and Para Dressage Champion Sophie Wells.

Kathryn said: “Sophie Wells has helped me put my floor plan together for the freestyle test, and even though she’s in Europe at the moment, she still texted to wish me luck. She’s very supportive and is a great help.

“Although the first day was a bit erratic, I am really pleased with how he’s (Waragon) gone. He’s a very strong horse but he’s been really good.”

Kathryn has plans to compete at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, at the World Equestrian Games and the European Championships.

Kathryn Gallagher and Waragon take part in the Grade IV Freestyle Test