Up, Up and Away for Jan Pike!

Thanks to the Amazing generosity of a few of Jan's very dear friends who donated air fares, she and Catherine are now in the UK! Jan says, "We have a car booked and our first night’s accommodation, after that we may well develop a gypsy lifestyle!"

"Our horse selection is proving a challenge.  I’ve been offered a 17.2hh thoroughbred cross, however he may not be suitable so we’ll see when we get over there. My Coach has a very positive approach and is sure we’ll find the ideal geegee when we get there."

"The competition begins at Hartpury Festival of Dressage on 13 July, followed by Bishop Burton Championships in York from 22 July and I get back home on 29 July.  Many thanks to all our supporters!"

On the London Paralympics front, Judy and Jan attended a Team processing day last week. This is where the nominated Shadow Team members are prepared towards possible selection for the London Paralympics. After viewing a video of the preparations being made in London, with venues etc, Shadow Team members tried on uniform samples. RM Williams is the major supplier of the formal uniform, while 2X4U is the sponsor for the casual attire.

Jan attended her last training session in Melbourne prior to departure for the UK recently, saying, "Melbourne can be a bitterly cold, windy place at times and it always seems to be that way when I appear down there lately! Apparently a few days before I arrived the property across the road from MEA decided to go into Alpaca farming. MEA horses were less than impressed with their new neighbors and put on quite a display. Pinky got all his antics over with before I began riding and as usual was the perfect gentleman. We went down to Werribee for Cara to train him on the cross country course. He jumped like a pro and had some great gallops in between. It was excellent to watch him, mane and tail flying free. Catherine put me on afterwards to see how he’d go - with all the activity, excitement and terrible wind - when I was on his back and he was as calm as always. What a star!!"

Coming up, Jan is excited about taking Pinky to EQUITANA on 10 and 11 November, "Pinky will be doing a demonstration of his versatility!  I am riding him in a freestyle display with Catherine and then Cara is taking him through his showjumping paces after me. It will be an excellent chance to show what ex-racehorses can achieve."

"On the topic of ex-racehorses, I am most fortunate to have another ex-racehorse getting behind me - Stryker Sensation. Stay tuned for more news on this exciting partnership."

Pinky and Jan (pictured) are putting a lot of hard work into achieving their dream, but their biggest handicap is finances.  If you are interested in helping Jan and Pinky with their Journey to London 2012, contact Jan via email gpik0206@bigpond.net.au or phone on 0416525192. Jan is appreciative of any assistance - small donations all add up and will help this inspirational pair to achieve their goals!

Quick Links

• Para Equestrian Jan Pike and Ex-racehorse Pinky a Perfect Match
• Five Minutes With Paralympian Jan Pike
• Hartpury Festival of Dressage