Roma Oakes competes Retina 184, a 16.2hh, 9 year old, grey Hanoverian mare at Novice, Elementary level and Para Grade IV dressage. She was the winner of the RDA National Dressage Championships July 2009, Northern Ireland Riding Clubs Dressage Champion (intermediate level), Northern Ireland Winter Dressage Championships 2nd at Preliminary, 1St Elementary league at Laurel View Equestrian Centre, 1st Novice league at LaurelView Equestrian Centre, and 1st Open Dressage League at KnockaghView EC, organised by Beeches Riding Club - to name a handful of results!
Roma's aims are to progress to medium level dressage this winter, compete in NI Dressage Festival in April 2010 and to defend her RDA Championship title in Hartpury in 2010. Long term she hopes to be selected to compete on the Irish team in Paralympic Dressage.
Why horses? "I have always loved horses, my grandfather was a blacksmith so it must be in my blood although he died before I was born and there were no horses around when I was young. Horses are just such lovely animals to be around. When I’m riding I can totally forget all my problems and just be ‘in the moment’. When I’m on a horse few people know that I have a disability so it is great to be just ‘normal’."
Biggest horsey bug bear? "Hmmm.....high postage charges on orders of horsey stuff to Northern Ireland, sometimes they are just ridiculous!"
Worst horsey habit? "Not getting weight down through my heels, also tipping forward too much."
If not horses what? "Probably a psychiatric ward! Horses keep me sane. Seriously – I would probably have a career in Academia doing theoretical chemistry research (sorry – I know you think this is boring, but it is really fascinating stuff)."
What could you not live without? "Sprenger bow balance stirrups – they help ease the pain in my knees, ankles and hips and I can easily get my foot back in them on the rare occasion that I lose them. My trainer/yard owner – she keeps my horse working well and I never have to worry about how she is being looked after, Joan has an excellent yard that means everything is done to a very high standard."
To find out more about Roma visit http://www.romaoakes.co.uk/
