Rebecca Stevens Claims Driving for the Disabled Championship at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Rebecca Stevens, 28, from Caversham, has won the Driving for the Disabled Championship at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, guiding her horse Oakhaze McClintok, known as Squeak, to victory at one of equestrian sport's most storied venues.

Stevens lives with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that led her to step back from ridden work and turn her focus to carriage driving. The move proved transformative, and it was at Windsor, in the private grounds of the Castle - that her sport gave her something back in kind.

"Carriage driving has given me a new sense of freedom and independence."

"To compete at Royal Windsor Horse Show in itself was a huge moment and to come away as champion is something I am incredibly proud of," Stevens said following her win.

The title was presented by Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, at the conclusion of the championship.

The Driving for the Disabled Championship forms part of the Royal Windsor national programme and provides a competitive arena for those taking part in BDS driving for the disabled classes. It is a class that draws riders who have found, or returned to, their connection with horses through adapted disciplines and Stevens is among those who have made that space entirely their own.

"I hope sharing my story encourages others living with disabilities to keep pursuing the things they love."

Stevens' victory is a reminder that equestrian sport is broad enough to hold every kind of story — and that the best ones are often found not in spite of adversity, but because of how people choose to meet it.

Royal Windsor Horse Show is held annually in the private grounds of Windsor Castle and is one of the world's most prestigious equestrian events.