Brecon’s Emily Ham has claimed the Reserve Champion title in the Open Paradrivers class at the Certius Short Format National Championships at Chepstow.

The event featured 50 of the nation’s top drivers. Emily and her 24-year-old Welsh cob, Alfie, recorded the fastest obstacle time in their class and the third fastest overall.

Emily said the pair tested a new carriage during the event.

"We were trying a different carriage with a lower centre of gravity and it held the ground really well," she said.

"Alfie has so much power and acceleration - it's essential to have confidence that the backstepper can hold the carriage down on the turns.

"I collected the carriage on Monday and practised during the training sessions leading up to the competition. Esther did a really good job, especially as it was her first time with this carriage."

Alfie, a 14.2-hand Welsh Section D gelding, is known for his endurance and skill. At 24, he remains competitive after finishing third at the last World Championships. He and Emily have worked together for 13 years, forming a strong partnership built on trust.

This latest success follows Emily’s recent runner-up finish at the Team GBR qualifier at Sandringham.

Emily added: "I'm very grateful to Tristar Horseboxes of Llanwrda for their generosity in supporting my entry costs for the Certius Championship. Thank you to the wonderful Castle Hotel in Brecon who donated an auction stay away which raised a significant sum towards the Paradrivers Fund. The fund will help towards covering part of the costs in taking a squad of drivers and equipment, their support crew and trainers to the World Championships in September."

She now looks forward to competing at the National Paradriving Championships at Glebe later this month before heading to Germany.

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