ONE year after falling off a horse, a Coventry postwoman has finished in the top three at a national horse championships.
Karen Tidman took part in the competition a year after falling from her horse Custard and suffering a serious concussion and bruising.
After recovering from her injuries, she jumped back in the saddle and was placed fourth in her category on the first day.
The championships were established in 2022 to give riders the chance to try competing.
Held by British Eventing at Aintree Equestrian Centre and sponsored by Harry Hall, the championships are for people aged 10 and over.
Karen said: “I was still very new to eventing and riding in a formal setting, so when I came off Custard it really knocked my confidence.
“I was nervous to get back into riding, it took me around six months to get back to where I was prior to my fall.
“I started taking part in competitions again, and it was exactly a year on from my fall when I qualified for the Harry Hall One Club ACE Champs – that’s fate isn’t it.”
Liz Hopper, managing director at Harry Hall, said: “Our priority commitment at Harry Hall is to make horse riding and ownership accessible, affordable and easier for as many people as we can.
“Through our One Club membership scheme, we’re dedicated to providing help and support for equestrians of all ages and abilities.
“We decided to support the ACE Championships as the values of the event align perfectly with our own ethos – the championships are open to horse riders of all skill levels in a range of age brackets.
“We’re proud to play a part in such a special and inclusive event, which gives riders like Karen the chance to give arena style eventing a go.”
