Zoë is no stranger to international competition, having been a member of the Elite Paralympic squad, funded by the National Lottery from 1998 to 2001.

She was short listed for Sydney 2000, and has represented Great Britain on several occasions.

Zoë suffered a lower leg amputation in a motorbike accident back in 1990.

Having ridden horses from the time she could walk, she proved the doubters wrong, and returned to riding the day she was released from hospital!

Apart from the time she spent on the squad, she has funded her campaign by herself, with intermittent donations from various people, and loans from her long suffering parents.

Zoë holds the British Horse Society Assistant Instructors Exam, and is believed to be the first disabled person to achieve this. She also has a Batchelor of Science Degree in Equine Studies, so has the knowledge and experience to achieve her ambitions. She also competes regularly at able bodied affiliated competitions.

Her ultimate aim is to represent her country on home turf and compete at the London 2012 Paralympics.

Currently Zoe is training with her young horses - Greenvale Time Out aka 'Roger' a just backed 4 year old Welsh/TB cross (related to Cardigan Jackdaw) and has just purchased a new horse, 'Max' a 6 year old Belgian Warmblood, whom she hopes to aim for the British Para Showjumping competitions as well as the dressage arena!

Max (left) and Roge meet for the first time at home

Cardigan Jackdaw, Owned by Mrs C Leigh, now retired from International competition