Earlier this year, EPIC Assist (EPIC) supported Bundaberg Country Dressage Group Inc. with a community grant.
Para-Equestrian Dressage rider Annika Croaker recently shared with us her story and what the grant meant to her.
“I would like to thank EPIC for your kind donation to the Bundaberg Country Dressage Group. It has helped us to hold a dressage clinic with Gary Lung, an accomplished dressage rider and instructor from Brisbane with Para Dressage experience. Gary gave me a lot of insight on how to improve my posture and connection with my horse.
I started my riding career in Lund, Sweden while I was studying at university. A gap year from my studies saw me backpacking around Australia where I met my husband in Darwin. Years later, we moved to Kangaroo Island in South Australia where I bought my first horse. I was involved with the local Pony Club where I took part in dressage, hacking, jumping, cross country and even hunting. Years later we relocated to Tannum Sands, Queensland where my instructor encouraged me to be serious with dressage. Consequently, I have been fortunate to compete at two RDA Nationals held in Sydney and Melbourne.
My short-term goal is to qualify for the Queensland State Para event in Caboolture (hopefully next year). To have access to instructors with Para experience who can think outside of the box means new exercises and ideas that will help me reach my goals.
Bundaberg Country Dressage Group is very supportive to riders with a disability and it is always lovely to receive generous comments provided by members whenever I participate in an event.
As a rider with a disability I know firsthand that dressage is keeping my body mobile and supple, as well as my mind.”
EPIC is proud to support groups such as Bundaberg Country Dressage Group through our community grants program.
For more information, or to apply, visit our Community Grants page.