Emily called up to England dressage squad

The 30-year-old, featured in Observer Sport last week as hoping to make the British dressage squad for the 2008 Games in Beijing, China, will travel to Madrid, Spain, to take part in an international event from June 26-28.

"We're absolutely over the moon," said husband Andy. "We never thought we would be going anywhere like this so quickly and we didn't even know this international was taking place.

"The selection obviously means they think she's got talent, but they want to see more of her. There are other people that have been on the circuit for some time, so it's a matter of proving herself. There's a long way to go, but the Paralympic dream is definitely still alive."

Such a fantastic opportunity has arisen after Emily, who was born with one arm but still manages to combine competing and training with working and raising three-year-old daughter Jasmine, impressed England coach Jane Goldsmith at the Unrestricted Championship in Warwickshire last weekend - just her second Paralympic event.

Emily, riding Castle Three Keeps For Gold, was placed third in the IPEC test 41, one in a series of tests that comprised the Championship, in which she finished ninth at Weston Lawns.

"It was an absolutely brilliant result," continued Andy. "As soon as she had finished we both knew she had done well." Even breaking down on the M1 on the way home failed to dampen the spirits!

The only downside is that Emily urgently requires help in her goal to become an established British rider. Money is always useful, but the donation of services, such as maintaining her lorry, supplying items for the horse and riding gear is equally significant. Anybody interested in assisting, should visit Emily's web site - www.esas.org.uk/em - from where contact details are available.