Jayde Cloke is overcoming the odds to compete at the RDAQ State Championships

Not even running into a metal sign discouraged this young Qld woman, who said it’s just what happens on the back of the 600kg animals as she dreams of the Olympics.

Mackay Equestrian Jayde Cloke. Photo: Contributed

A Mackay woman is set to compete at the Queensland equestrian championships later this year, and she is overcoming all of the odds to do it.

Jayde Cloke was diagnosed at birth with congenital conditions impairing her eyesight and leaving her legally blind.

The 20-year-old said because of her low vision there were things she couldn’t do such as driving, but she wouldn’t let it hold her back.

“I don’t let that stop me from doing the things that I love,” she said.

“I’ve been very lucky to be brought up that the only person that really sets my limits is me.

Jayde won’t let her low vision stop her from doing what she loves. Photo: Contributed

“What’s the worst that could happen, I get told no.”

With a lifelong love for horses, Ms Cloke started her Equestrian journey as a teenager.

On a trip to New South Wales Ms Cloke had her first equine encounter when visiting her mother’s friend.

“As soon as I got on the back of a horse, they both looked at each other and went, yep, this is something she needs to pursue,” she said.

“She’s a natural.”

With support from Feros Care Ms Cloke was able to access funding and began programs with Riding for the Disabled Association.

Jayde has had access to a coach through Riding for the Disabled Association. Photo: Contributed

Feros Care Mackay local area coordinator Emily Lomulder said her role was to support people to utilise funding and find appropriate providers like Riding for the Disabled Association.

“Jayde has ended up being able to build her independence, she can now come in here without any supports and to be able to talk to me or she will now talk to me on the phone feeling very confident about it,” she said.

“She’s such a go-getter.

“She’s got access to the coaches that have helped Jayde be able to improve her social interactions, her independence, her physical needs to be able to start being able to stand more confidently and correct her posture.”

She said she was extremely proud of Ms Cloke and all of her achievements.

“She has previously been to state and we are looking forward to being able to cheer for Jayde,” she said.

Riding for the Disabled Association provide a safe environment to learn and compete. Photo: Contributed

Ms Cloke said she has an amazing coach with the Riding for the Disabled Association who has been a really big support as well as a safe environment to learn in.

“So that’s having volunteers in the arena while we’re riding because we ride in groups of two to five,” she said.

“And just making sure that the situation is calm and nothing bad could happen.”

Her low vision means she has some extra challenges when it comes to riding, but that hasn’t stopped her learning to ride independently.

“I come across quite capable because I am very independent, that’s how I’ve been brought up,” she said.

“But some of the main challenges that I have is I can see about three metres in front of me and my vision is best described as an out of focus photograph.

Horses are a great source of therapy for Jayde. Photo: Contributed

“The main challenge is just staying on my toes and just keeping an eye out for things that I could run into, like tree branches, I’ve actually run into a metal sign at one point.

“But it comes with the territory of riding horses, you get on a 600 to 800 kilo animal, you’ve got to expect to have a few incidents and injuries every now and then.

“I’m just lucky that I haven’t fallen off yet.”

Ms Cloke said just being around the horses had helped with her social anxiety and a partnership had been built between her and her horse.

“The horses actually react to your emotions and your actions,” she said.

“And it’s because of that, that it’s a really good source of therapy, it’s just a really nice, calming environment to be in.”

Jayde is currently prepping for the state championships. Photo: Contributed

Now she is preparing for the state championships and knows the areas she wants to improve.

She said the event would look a lot like the dressage competitions you see on TV or at the Olympics, with the main difference being that there may be competitors who have physical or mental disabilities.

While Ms Cloke rides independently there is also a class for assisted riders who need further aides with them in competition.

She said when it comes to state championships she will just do her best but eventually she hopes she will be able to compete in the Olympics.

“If I get first then I get first, if I get seventh again then I’ve got stuff to improve on still.

“I kind of look at it that it’s not the end of the world if I don’t win, it just means that I’ve got to work harder for next year.”

Jayde has big dreams of heading to the Olympics. Photo: Contributed

Ms Cloke also competes in Western competitions, showing off her ability to work as a team with her horse in a range of different competitions but says she likes both the English and Western styles.

“At the end of the day I’m still learning from these experiences and gaining valuable knowledge and improving my ability to ride,” she said.

She added competing at this level could get very expensive with travel, accommodation, and clothing so she was always on the lookout and grateful to those who are able to sponsor her on this journey.

She said anyone interested could contact Riding for the Disabled Mackay and leave a message with Lisa or Jodie.