Brecon para carriage driver Emily Ham has returned from the World Paradriving Championships in Lahden, Germany, with a bronze medal.

Emily, 34, competed in the Grade 1 para class alongside her 24-year-old Welsh cob Alfie (Beechwood Bracken) and backstepper Esther Rawlinson from Monmouth.

Overall, Emily placed fifth individually, an incredible effort in only her second World Championship appearance.

"We had an amazing time! I am so proud of Alfie and we loved every minute on the courses together," said Emily.

"He is always enthusiastic and loves to take me forward. This can make dressage a challenge, but he tried really hard to hold it together to achieve our best dressage score of the season and a fifth podium place. I couldn't have asked for more!

"As you can imagine the atmosphere was electric at this top driving venue with over 200 horses on site competing, and packed with spectators. The music and commentary, as well as flags, all added to the atmosphere and possible distraction."

The event, held every two years, is the para horse driving equivalent of the Olympics, with participants enjoying top-level competition well into their seventies. Team Gold went to the Netherlands, Silver to Germany, and Great Britain comfortably took Bronze ahead of the USA.

Emily continued: "It was the experience of a lifetime to finish in the top three for the cones competition and Alfie and I had a blast around the ring at the presentation with our flag flying! 

"Of course the medal ceremony was truly special, and especially sentimental as this is Alfie's last big international. It was a joy to drive him on the lap of honour alongside my team mates Deborah Daniels and Jayne McGravie. We truly represented the individual nations of the UK - being Welsh, English and Scottish."

Emily praised the support she received from across the UK and her local community. She thanked Tristar Horseboxes for supporting her at key UK events, The Castle Hotel for donating a fundraising prize for the squad, and Hay and Brecon Farmers. She also thanked Arctic One and the Sports Foundation for the Disabled for competition funding.

Her backstepper, Esther Rawlinson, partnered with Emily for the season and assisted during the World Championship, helping the carriage navigate the course safely. Trainers Robert Buck and Sara Howe provided daily guidance and helped the team.

Event organisation was led by chief D’Equip Julie Camm, with Averinna Snow managing logistics and Brexit border crossings for the convoy, which included seven ponies, 10 carriages, quads, mobility vehicles, trailers, and lorries. The horses travelled in a Parkers Horse Transporter, and Emily’s father drove the equitrek more than 1,400 miles to Germany and back.

Emily also highlighted the wider support team: Rosie the vet, Kat the physiotherapist, Claire, who managed catering, the other backsteppers and helpers, and Callum, who handled media, taking over 7,500 photos and 100 videos.

"What a finale to the outdoor season and to Alfie's career on the international stage - I couldn't be happier!" added Emily.