Chantal's back in the saddle

A fall from her horse and five broken bones were not enough to stop dressage rider Chantal Simpson from doing what she loves the most.

TOP TEAM: Chantal Simpson with her horse Sandford Luminate are back in competition. Picture: Ali Kuchel And Contributed

A fall from her horse and five broken bones were not enough to stop dressage rider Chantal Simpson from doing what she loves the most.

When Chantal, a para-equestrian rider, was competing at the Australian Special Olympics Summer Games in Melbourne, the saddle slipped on her horse, sending her into the fence where she broke her arm and elbow in three places.

And two months prior she had suffered a collarbone broken in two places.

However the injuries didn't stop her from getting back in the saddle.

After months of physiotherapy, Chantal and her horse Sandford Luminate, affectionately known as Miss Lulu, competed at the Lockyer Equestrian Group's monthly members' day on Sunday. Taking to the arena in the prelim classes, Chantal and Miss Lulu scored 62.7% and 62.3% in their tests.

She joined LEGS about 10 years ago and said attending the monthly meets was a great way to meet new people.

Usually riding in the novice and elementary classes, Chantal opted to ride in the lower classes to accommodate her injuries.

"I enjoy being able to do the regular tests and compare scores to see how I'm going," Chantal said.

The breaks in her arm mean Chantal has had to adjust her riding technique with the help of her coach Kym Dyball.

"She's the most dedicated rider," Kym said.

"We're trying methods that work where Chantal doesn't have to pull on the injured arm as much."