The entrance to Hill Cottage Dressage Centre. Photo/Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
Morgan Liddle and her beautiful horse ‘Ralphy’ being led by Morgan’s dressage coach and owner of Hill Cottage Dressage Centre Charlotte Pedersen. Photo/Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
Morgan puts Ralphy through his paces at Hill Cottage Dressage Centre’s outdoor training arena. Photo/Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
Morgan and Ralphy – what a WONDERFUL and impressive duo! Photo/Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
Morgan, Ralphy & Charlotte – the TRIUMPHANT trio! Ralphy is an internationally competitive dressage horse and Charlotte is a Grand Prix Rider and Level 11 dressage coach. Photo/Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
EVERY now and then I get to do a story for The Countryphiles that is so INSPIRING it leaves me brimming with heart-warming JOY! Well, when I chanced upon the opportunity to meet Morgan Liddle and ‘Ralphy’ I had no idea what lay ahead. Let me just say that watching them train together was nothing short of AMAZING! Whilst horse riding is a very popular country past time, horses, and even more so dressage, are a little unfamiliar to ME. So, seeing Ralphy up close made me realise just how HUGE and BEAUTIFUL horses can be! I was awe struck by his powerful stature as well as his beauty. But more than that, I was altogether MOVED to see such a majestic and COMMANDING horse ‘dance’ at the hands of Morgan – an extremely talented, passionate, ambitious and ANGELIC young woman.
Morgan’s goal is to qualify for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy in 2014 – the next world championship for Para-Equestrians. Morgan missed out on qualifying for the London Paralympics by a heartbreaking 0.9%. With her condition progressing, Morgan is aware she might not be able to ride by the time the 2016 Paralympics come around. SO, she and Ralphy are hard at it training, fund raising (horse riding and getting international competition experience are expensive!) and making the most of each and every day! Watching Morgan train and seeing how much she ADORES her horse was truly a PLEASURE and a sight to behold!
Morgan & Ralphy – an Angel and her Steed. Photo/Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
Morgan likes to add a little ‘bling’ to her dressage outfits and sources much of her quality gear from Martina at The City Barn. I’m told it’s worth a look if you ride or just happen to love the riding gear aesthetic – like I do! Photo/Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
Morgan was born with a very rare and, at present, incurable metabolic disorder, a Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation (CDG), which affects muscles throughout her body. Morgan has severe ataxia (very little balance), poor coordination and low muscle tone with tremors in her hands plus a number of other medical problems. Her vision and perception are also affected and she has difficulty speaking. Morgan is unable to stand or walk independently, which means she competes as a Grade 1A Para-Equestrian – the highest level of disability.
But, when Morgan climbs atop Ralphy her world is transformed in a way that Morgan best explains in her own words: “I have always loved horses and there is a strong bond between us. My relationship with horses is special. I don’t experience the barriers I encounter every day in communication with people and I don’t experience the lack of mobility I deal with every day. When I leave my wheelchair behind and ride, I feel like I’m not just the kid that can’t walk or talk … I become the power, freedom and grace of the horse.”
Under instruction from her dressage coach Charlotte Pedersen (who is a Grand Prix Rider, Danish Riding Master and Level 11 Dressage Trainer – WOW!) and with the support of her lovely family, friends and supporters, Morgan devotes as much time, money and effort as she can to prepare herself for competition. To help Morgan gain international competition experience, Morgan’s parents put in an enormous amount of effort to contribute and fundraise a total of $12,000 to take Morgan to a US Paralympic Qualifier in Del Mar, USA. The effort and sacrifices paid off – as Morgan brought home one 1st and two 2nd places! Yay! Go Team Morgan! Aside from riding, Morgan is completing her coaching qualifications (Certificate IV Sports Coaching – Equestrian) as well as writing and presenting on CDG and being a Para-Equestrian. You are truly amazing and INSPIRATIONAL Morgan!
Ralphy and Morgan share a very special relationship. Photo – supplied. Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
Morgan and her wonderful friend and LOVELY mother Merell at the family’s home ‘Abbeyville’ in Kyneton. Built of coursed squared bluestone in 1856 by Charles Young MLA for the Kyneton Borough back in the day, Abbeyville is considered a very significant country homestead. Oh, and I’d better not forget to mention ‘Harry’ Morgan’s ADORABLE Toy Poodle! Photo/Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
This is what LOVE and JOY and HAPPINESS look like. Photo – supplied. Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
No words needed. Thank you Morgan and Merell for such a beautiful day shared together. Danielle x Photo – supplied. Production – Danielle White/The Countryphiles.
Tell us a little bit about your background – what path led you to take up dressage?
I have always loved horses and started riding with my sisters when I was little. I’ve had a lot of complex health issues but I can still ride.
Can you give us a little insight into what’s involved in your sport?
Para-Equestrian dressage follows much the same rules as able-bodied dressage allowing competitors with physical disabilities to compete in a fair and equal environment.
As with able-bodied dressage, riders either perform a pre-defined pattern of movements called a ‘test’, or ride a pattern they have created themselves that includes a set of mandatory movements ridden to music, called a ‘freestyle test’.
For para-dressage, riders are classified based upon their functional abilities. Doctors and physiotherapists evaluate a rider’s muscular strength and/or coordination and determine that rider’s functional profile. This profile decides the “grade” in which the athlete will compete.
There are five grades in para-dressage, Ia, Ib, II, III and IV. Each grade is comprised of different functional profiles, which allows the athletes of those profiles to compete and be judged fairly on their abilities. Saddles, bridles and boots may be modified according to rider’s physical impairments. And, just like any other discipline, para-dressage riders have to qualify to compete at the Paralympics.
I am a Grade 1A, which is the highest level of disability.
What path led you and your family to move to the country?
My parents bought ‘Abbeyville’ before I was born so I’ve spent my entire life in Kyneton. I love that our house has been here for so long and has so much history. The ghost of Violet Young, the daughter of Charles Young who built the house is supposed to walk up and down the old kitchen at night but none of us have ever heard anything except possums. My parents hadn’t told me or my sisters about the ghost until we were quite old because they didn’t want to frighten us. But strangely, when I was very small I told my family that I wanted to be called Violet. That’s spooky isn’t it!
Do you consider yourself to be a ‘Countryphile’? Do you love country life? Why?
I love the space, the gardens, the birds and animals and the sunsets. I like spending time in the city too; I like the hustle and bustle, the shopping, noise and excitement but only for a short time.
What is a typical day like; from when you wake to when you go to sleep?
I get up and have breakfast and get dressed, that takes me quite a while! Then, I usually go to Macedon to train with my coach Charlotte Pedersen at Hill Cottage Dressage Centre where I keep my dressage horses Tailor (Sienna Tailor Made) and Ralphy (Don Armani). I sometimes take a sandwich or drop in to the Red Door Cafe at the petrol station near Hill Cottage for a quick lunch then go to the gym. It is a well-kept secret that they have good coffee and lovely homemade food. Then home to do some study for my course in Sport Coaching –Equestrian followed by spending some time outside with our dogs Buzz, Harry and Baxter. Buzz was trained as an Assistance Dog for me but he is retired now that he is 13 years old. I was going to have Harry trained but he is a bit too small really – can’t even reach the walk button at the lights! We also have our retired Pony Club horses at home to look after. Molly, who took me to my first Para-Equestrian National Title is now 26 years old.
After dinner, it’s time to relax and do some planning. There is always so much to organise with the horses. I love music and dancing too so I spend any spare time listening to music and dancing around the lounge room in my wheelchair.
What aspect of country life are you loving MOST at the moment?
I love the autumn leaves, the cooler weather but not too cold …yet!
What is the most CHALLENGING aspect of country life?
For me, having to go to Melbourne for medical treatment all the time has been incredibly demanding. It actually takes up the whole day by the time we drive there, wait to be seen, have the appointment and get home and I have many, many appointments, unfortunately.
The other challenge is wheelchair accessibility in the country. There are problems with access in Kyneton because of the old buildings with narrow doorways and steps. There are some cafes I love but I can only go there in summer when I can sit outside because it is so difficult to get inside.
Do you drink Coffee or Tea? Your favourite country café and why?
I drink both tea and coffee but at the moment I am really liking white hot chocolate but I haven’t found anywhere in Kyneton that serves it unfortunately. I love the cakes at ST BEAN’s Provedore in Piper Street but it does have the accessibility problem so it might just have to be a summer treat.
What and where was the last great meal you enjoyed/shared in the country?
I love having a roast when all the family is home. My two sisters, Madeleine and Miranda (twins) are both at uni in Melbourne so it’s special now when Mum and Dad and the twins are all here for dinner.
Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?
Saturday is my big sleep-in day so you’d find me still in bed or in my pyjamas at about 11am eating yummy french toast that my Dad makes! Or, if it is a competition weekend, I’d be up very early getting horses ready and loaded on to the float and on the way to a dressage competition.
MACEDON RANGES’ best kept secret?
The best kept secret is the very active equestrian community here in the Macedon Ranges. There’s everything from Pony Club, Adult Riding Clubs and trail riding to elite level riders looking for spots on the National Teams. I ride with Macedon Ranges Dressage Club. There’s something for people of all abilities and skill levels whether you ride a Grand Prix horse or a pony. And, if you live in the country, why not ride!
Would you ENCOURAGE others to live a country life? Why/why not?
I love living in the country but I know it’s not for everyone. Sometimes we run out of rainwater or the pump stops in the middle of a shower with shampoo in my hair, or there is a snake on the doorstep…and then there’s bushfires. With horses there is always a lot to do. If you can cope with things not always going according to plan then I’d definitely recommend it!
What ADVICE would you give those dreaming of taking up dressage?
I’d say ‘Go for it’!
What can we expect NEXT from you in the future? What competitions are coming up?
I have my first competition on Ralphy coming up soon. We have only been training together for a short time so it will be exciting to see how we go at our first outing. He is just beautiful.
What are you looking FORWARD to and why?
I am looking forward to spending the next year being a fulltime athlete. As well as riding, it involves a lot of time spent at the gym on my fitness, pilates, sports psychology and hopefully some overseas competition experience. The next world championships for equestrian sports is the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy in 2014 and I am hoping to be selected for the team. WEG is on a four-year cycle between the Olympics/Paralympics. Trying to get sponsorship and fund raise to be able to do all these things is a constant battle.
Last year a local veteran cyclist, Alan (Sandy) Sandford from Macedon Ranges Cycling Club did a ride around Victoria to raise money for me to go to a competition in Del Mar, California and he was supported by many local businesses. I have been very fortunate recently to have Ros and John Bradbury from Kyneton Toyota come on board to support me with fuel and maintenance for our Landcruiser. It is a great feeling getting local community support.
This year is my big chance to achieve what I can in my sport.
What would be your dream achievement?
I would love to have the opportunity to compete for my country against the world’s best.
Morgan Liddle
What an inspiring story Danielle, a testament to determination, love and courage.
I hope Morgan achieves her ultimate dream.
I hope Morgan achieves her dream too! And, Ralphy is such a special horse blessed to share Morgan’s everyday and journey to make the Championships.
Morgan & Ralphy- a match made in dressage heaven! They are such a lovely team! Well done Danielle, xx
Aren’t they! The Countryphiles got to appreciate a little more of the world of horses that YOU love so dearly. I can see why. xx