30703-55Julia Ponton and Louise Harvey are celebrating after winning places in the Riding For The Disabled Association finals.
Despite being blind since birth Julia, 39, from Malmesbury, has been horse riding since the age of 10. She clinched a place in the dressage finals after taking victory at the RDA regional heats in Gloucester last Thursday.
Julia has been taking riding lessons with Janice Aspin, who runs Hulberts Green Riding School, near Brinkworth, for eight years.
She said: "I'm hooked on horses and have three riding lessons a fortnight. Winning a place in the finals was great."
Louise, 26, from Purton, has also qualified for the finals after coming first in the walking dressage test.
Louise suffers from osteoporosis and myasthenia, a muscle weakness which means she needs to sleep for about four hours after every riding lesson.
She said: "Nothing can stop me riding. I love it too much and am looking forward to the finals."
Riding teacher Janice is thrilled with their achievements.
She said: "I'm proud as punch. Their determination and dedication has been rewarded."
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