Churchlands resident a medal winner at the Special Olympic National Games

The Churchlands resident recently won two gold and two silvers at the Special Olympic National Games in Melbourne for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The wins come on the back of three second places at the International Hope Cup in Taiwan, an event for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

She earned the silver medals representing Australia alongside South Australian rider Natalie Mellor in the team test, individual novice and test and the overall team award.

Ms Cann said the team test was the most gruelling.

‘The team test was more challenging with moves such as turning on the haunches,’ she said.

‘I haven’t been in a competition before where I had to that, so it was a bit stressful.

‘I could not have had a better experience, as I have never ridden overseas before. It was my dream, and if I got the opportunity to do it again, I would.’

Ms Cann, who has been riding at the Claremont Therapeutic Riding Centre since she was five, said her next aim was to qualify for the Australian team to compete in Los Angeles next year.

‘I am focusing my time on riding at the moment to get into the Special Olympics World Games,’ she said.

She was also recently sponsored by OverFlow Equestrian, which provided her with clothing and equipment to compete.

Coach M’liss Henry said Ms Cann had done everything she could to qualify for the team.

‘Really it is about keeping up her fitness and getting her into some more competitions,’ she said.

The Claremont Therapeutic Riding Centre provides lessons for people with disabilities and able-bodied people, with new weekday classes open to able-bodied riders.

For more information, call 9384 3492.