ERITH dressage hopeful Emma Kent admits the opportunity of competing in her own back yard is extra incentive for Paralympic qualification.

The 24-year-old lives less than 10 miles from Greenwich Park, the venue for Olympic and Paralympic equestrian, and can almost see it from her bedroom window.

“I do peer through the glass every now and then to try and get a glimpse,” said Kent.

“Knowing it is so close definitely helps during the exhausting training periods and really drives me on to keep doing my absolute best to make the Games.

“I’ve actually been to the site and walked along the centre line where you get a great view of the Olympic Park, the design is almost genius.

“We won’t get to compete there before the Games but home crowd advantage should, fingers crossed, play a huge part in our success.

“ParalympicsGB have a lot to live up to in 2012 because we are unbeaten since Atlanta 1996.”

Consequently, competition for places is fierce and Kent, who has Holt Oram Syndrome which means she has severely shortened upper limbs, won’t be taking anything for granted.

She said, “I’m in with a chance but some of the best riders hail from the UK.

“Nothing in equestrianism is a dead cert, it won’t matter how well I’ve performed if my horse goes lame.

“Dressage can be a great leveler and brings you back down to earth with a bump.

“However, through National Lottery funding and initiatives like Team 2012 it does lessen the risks.

“Increased access to human and equine sport science ensures our horses get the best care and preparation possible.”

The former 2008 national champion began her equestrian career at just 18 months old after doctors recommended it as a form of therapy.

They felt the sensation would help to emulate the motion of walking.

“I can’t remember a time in my life when horses weren’t involved, but being so young I’ve no recollection of my first experience,” she added.

“Obviously it didn’t faze me, if it had my parents wouldn’t have forced me to do it.”

Kent is back on the Paralympic qualification trail in Hickstead, Sussex from 23 to 25 June.

Team 2012, presented by Visa, is raising funds to support 1,200 British athletes to help create our best prepared Olympic and Paralympic teams for London 2012.

For athlete updates and to show your support, visit team-2012.com

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