Video and pictures: Disabled Shrewsbury woman defying odds in driving ambition

The 58-year-old has no legs, only one arm, is blind and suffers from diabetes. But she has now found a new outlet to use her energy – carriage driving.

It may not seem the first sport that springs to mind, but for Julie it means the world.

Instead of staying indoors, she has embraced the equestrian world and taken up a sport which is renowned for its speed and grace.

• Perry Riding for the Disabled was established in 1995 by Jane Barker.

• The small and friendly establishment provides both riding and driving facilities solely for disabled people.

• The group started at a base close to the hamlet of Yeaton, near Shrewsbury. It has an outdoor arena where lessons are held.

• Lessons are also held at Stoneyford Riding School at Annscroft, near Shrewsbury.

• Perry Group has a waiting list of participants. Currently 280 sessions are cancelled annually due to bad weather resulting in disappointed riders, drivers or vaulters. The group is unable to is unable to carriage drive from the Yeaton base due to the very busy roads and is facing an end of lease situation at the end of 2015.

• A fundraising drive is currently underway for a new state of the art all weather centre to be built at Much Wenlock.

• Assisted by a group of willing volunteers, the group provides tuition, from the very basic to the more advanced, therapeutic riding and physiotherapy, and enjoyable hacks and drives.

• The group also runs vaulting lessons. This makes it unique in the West Midlands and the lessons are continuing to grow in popularity. Participation in vaulting leads to increased self confidence, improved balance and core control, improved fitness and social skills amongst many other positives.

• Participation in the sport can commence from as young as six and go on into the 20s.

• A fully equipped carriage for use with disabled clients costs £5,000.

• The group has two mounting blocks – one with wheelchair access and several purpose-built carriages (bought with funds donated by the National Lottery, the Country Landowner Association together with several Shropshire-based trust funds).

• It is a registered charity and a non-profit making organisation. However, the need for financial support is continual. Expenses seem to be never-ending and always higher than expected for example for shoeing, feeding the ponies, vets bills, horse dentist, bedding and grazing.

• Equipment accounts for a high proportion of costs in the form of riding helmets, saddles (designed for disabled riders), bridles, harness, protective clothing, rugs, trotting poles, jump supports, buckets, lead reins, brushes and wheel barrows.

It is all thanks to her community and care co-ordinator Becky Kelly from Riverside and Claremont Bank GP practices in Shrewsbury.

Becky said: "I have known Julie since December 2012.

"My role at the surgery affords me time to look for appropriate non-medical support for patients who are trying to maintain their independence at home.

Conditions

"Often these patients are struggling to cope with debilitating long term health conditions.

"This is certainly the case with Julie who, unfortunately, has had three limbs amputated and lost her sight through diabetes.

"Julie is cared for by family, and attends a day centre when she is able to arrange volunteer drivers to take her there.

"She admits that what seems like long hours sitting alone in her wheelchair makes her feel very low.

"I only recently found out about Perry Riding School for the Disabled, but immediately suggested the idea of carriage driving to Julie hoping this might capture her imagination, as it enables a wheelchair user to ride in, and even drive, a horse-drawn carriage."

Julie was taken with the idea. She paid a visit to Stoneyford Riding School at Annscroft, near Shrewsbury, where she was introduced to her instructor Will Merrick and his horse Shaun.

While a little uncertain to begin with, Julie, who lives in Ditherington, now makes her own arrangements to attend the school once a week.

She said: "It's just such a nice feeling being up there, trotting around with the horse in the fresh air.

"I love being in the quiet of the countryside and to be out of the house for a change.

"I'm learning how to give commands to the horse, and everyone, including my instructor Will is very nice and friendly.

"I am facing my fears as I am afraid of horses, but this week I was able to take the reins myself and be in control."

Lessons have now stopped for the summer holidays but Julie is already looking forward to starting again in September.

Becky said: "We're hoping that by taking the reins herself, she will gain a real sense of achievement, of being in control, and of being an inspiration to others." Jane Barker from Perry Riding School for the Disabled said: "I think Julie is remarkable.

"She had not been out of the house for months and I cannot imagine what life must be like for her.

"This must give her a real sense of achievement."

Will said: "Teaching for RDA is always rewarding, however it is made even more so with Julie. Due to her disability she must be very limited with what she can do.

"While carriage driving Julie will not only be outdoors and feel involved and part of something but feel sensations she has never had before.

"It's very rewarding especially when she's grinning ear to ear."

Volunteers are always needed at the centre to help out with the Riding for the Disabled. For more information contact Jane on (01939) 261147.