Michael started horse-riding when he was four years old on the recommendation of his doctor as part of his therapy. He was born with a rare progressive disorder called Dejerine-Sottas and has had a double spinal fusion.
Michael started to compete internationally when he was just 9 years old and by 14 Michael had become the youngest person to have ever won a 2* International event. Michael’s trusty stead, Cleverboy, is a 14-year-old, 17-hand Dutch Warmblood gelding.
“I’ve been dreaming and working towards getting into the Paralympics since I was 11 years old. When I’m on my horse I can go anywhere and do anything. It’s a rare moment of freedom for me. Thank you to all of my family and friends for their support – I couldn’t have done it without you! Just keep going until it happens!” Michael said.
Michael graduated from Warwick University with a first-class honours’ degree in Biological Sciences. He started working at Murphy at the beginning of 2021. Michael works in the SHES team supporting our climate action commitments and tracking.
The 2020 Paralympic games will take place from 24 August to 5 September 2021 in Tokyo.
