12-year-old Lauren Dempsey is a very determined and able young girl who loves all things sport.
She has a huge love of horses and horse riding, and when she was 6, Lauren started riding at RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) Glasgow Group. She rides every Saturday in a group session, and now riding without assistance, Lauren has in the last couple of years represented RDA Glasgow Group in dressage having won many rosettes and cups at West and Central Scotland regional level and at the Scottish Championships. Notably, she has won the Scottish Championships twice in the past three years.
Horse riding is Lauren’s favourite sport, saying: “I love horses! I enjoy the friendship I make and love competing in dressage competitions. I also love the connection between horse and rider.”
Lauren’s favourite equestrian is Zara Tindall, the Queen’s granddaughter, and Lauren hopes to one day compete for GB also.
Horse riding has huge therapeutic benefits. As a physical and active experience it helps improve co-ordination, muscle control and posture, mobility and balance. As a fun activity it develops confidence, communication, social skills, self-esteem and concentration whilst providing the opportunity to get up close to horses and ponies.
In addition to horse riding, Lauren is extremely busy with other weekly activities, with judo being another of her favourites.
Lauren is also just back from the SDS Summer Camp in Inverclyde which she attended for the first time. She hugely enjoyed her experience and made many new friends.
With Lauren’s energy, enthusiasm and determination she is definitely a name to look out for in the future.