Jess saddles up for Rio

NOOSA District State High School Year 12 student Jessica Nielsen has her heart set on competing against the world’s best paralympic equestrians in the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Jess has cerebral palsy, which affects movement in her legs, and uses a K Walker for mobility when she isn’t cantering with her four-legged best friend.
“I’ve had a lot of surgeries to make sure I can keep my mobility,” she said.
“I’ve had tendons in my legs stretched, as well as titanium rods and screws in my legs.
“I have to stretch for about an hour a day too, to make sure I stay flexible for riding.”
Jess has been riding horses since she was five years old, and 12 years later, cannot imagine life any other way.
“I’ve always loved horses,” Jess said.
Jess participated in her first riding competition in March this year and now has her sights set firmly on the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Jess’s mum Anne is very proud with what her daughter has achieved this year, including taking on a traineeship with the Cooroy RSL, studying a Certificate in Hospitality and successfully completing her first equestrian competition.
“Her confidence and self-esteem has grown so much the past year and it’s great to know that we have a plan for next year too,” she said.
“Jess is going to keep working at her traineeship and continue training for the next horse riding competition.”
The Cooroy RSL has planned a bingo comedy night fund-raiser for Jess on Saturday 5 September to help make her dreams of competing at Rio in 2016 more of a reality.
Noosa District State High School staff, parents and the Cooroy community are encouraged to support Jess by attending the bingo night.
Book your table by phoning the RSL on 5447 6131.
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