My name is Roma Oakes and I am a member of Para Equestrian Ireland (PEI) competing as a dressage rider. You can find out more about my background and my horse by clicking on the 'About Me' tab.

 The good news is that I now have a new horse! His name is 'Keep a Secret' (Fred) and he is just six. Here is a photo of him, you can see more on the News page.

He is 16.2hh and is black (or at least he will be when his summer coat comes through). He's very green but seems willing to learn and is very good on the roads as well.

Before Baker I had Ria (Retina 184) She was a very pretty horse who did teach me a lot but unfortunately she suffered a bad injury to her back legs and even though she had six months off work, she was in a lot of pain and had to be put to sleep. It was a very upsetting time and such a loss. She had such a sweet personality and even near the end she was still so gentle and affectionate.

It was not a difficult decision to euthanase her though as she had lost so much weight and couldn't even lie down in the stable. Such a pity as she was only nine.

My first horse (below) was Sam (Braeside Spectrum), I bought him in 2004 and had lots of fun on him. His forte was show jumping and, especially, cross country. He enabled me to progress from jumping round a 2ft course to the 3' 6" course - no mean feat but he was so clever and sensible that he made it easy - even for a wimp like me.

 I am classified as a Grade IV rider so I ride dressages tests equivalent to able-bodied Elementary and Medium level. I most often compete alongside able-bodied riders and am a member of Dressage Ireland. Further information about PEI and DI can be found on the 'Links' page.