Catherine Dakin Para-equestrian

So today is World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day (or for short). As many people know, I developed Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at the age of 2. I’ve never known a life without pain, discomfort or fused joints. I’ve witnessed first hand the developments in treatments for my condition. Today is all about raising awareness about my condition, so I will post a link to the Arthritis UK website to their information page.

This post is to prove a life with arthritis isn’t all pain and doom and gloom. My arthritis has led me down roads I couldn’t have dreamed of travelling down. Paradressage and horses have saved my life. I’ve made so many wonderful friends and I am proud that the little girl who couldn’t even run at her school sports day can now say she holds multiple National Dressage titles and is now bringing on a paradressage horse all by herself.

https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/young-people-and-families/?fbclid=PAVERFWAQnzmBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafQjHoboB43OxfEpIAX7G70ZnSVlBHSIEenEoyHI-XZRp2v9JyATIOOHFfWtQ_aem_3Ql_zH9u4FfTYWBaDFUh0A

Fun in the snow with my boy 🩵

2025. This year I truly embraced just enjoying my horse, no goals, no pressure. Charles and I went competing for the first time, we came 2nd and he was happy the whole time. We’ve had lots of fun and that’s what matters. Here’s to 2026 💚

Today is and for anyone that doesn’t know I’ve lived with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) since I was 2 years old 💜 Riding and dressage are not just my sport or therapy, horses have become my whole life. Some photos of Charles who has learnt to deal with my fused wrists, wonky hips and flaring joints every time we ride. And William, who needs no words on how wonderful and forgiving of my body he was 🩷 Arthritis can affect anyone at any age 💜 Versus Arthritis

He’s just the best thing since sliced bread ☺️💚

2 years today since we said goodbye to the best boy and the horse that made all my dreams come true and more 🩵

So we did something very exciting today, I put my lucky socks on and took Charles to our first EVER dressage competition. He was incredible from start to finish, and we came 2nd place!!! I’m so so proud of him and so happy to be back in the white boards 🩵🩵🩵

Fed on Mole Valley Farmers

🌟 Searching for My Next Paralympic Partner 🌟

I’m a Grade 1 Para Dressage rider proudly representing Jamaica, and I’m on the road to the 2026 World Equestrian Games and LA 2028 Paralympics. I’m currently looking for a second horse — to buy, lease, or collaborate with the right owner or team.

⭐️ 15–15.3hh
⭐️ 7–10 years old
⭐️ Walk must be 10/10 (essential for my grade)
⭐️ Must have a great temperament - calm, trainable and kind
⭐️ 5* home, experienced team, and top-level trainer

This will be the horse I campaign internationally with over the next three years, aiming for Paralympic podium success.

I’m open to creative partnerships — whether you’re an owner, breeder, investor, or simply passionate about supporting Para Dressage. Let’s talk.

📩 DM me or get in touch for more details.

Let’s write the next chapter — together.

Love love LOVE this weather, bit more training in the sunshine today 🩷

He’s so handsome and he knows it ☺️❤️

Today everything felt like it clicked into place with me and Charles, literally. Once I popped my hips into place, he was awesome!! 😂🩷

So so proud of this amazing boy today, he is truly becoming the horse of my dreams. It’s taken time, patience, sweat, tears and A LOT of hard work. But he keeps trying, so I will too 🩷