Despite Winning a Contest With Rare Condition, 25-Year-Old Equestrian Suffers Disheartening Fate

Only passionate people like Sophia Khas watch for a silver lining even in devastating situations. The 25-year-old suffers from a rare neurological condition called Dystonia. People suffering from the disorder experience uncontrollable muscle spasms. But Khas is inclined to live her life to the fullest and stands as an inspiration by securing a red rosette in the Riding School Championship organized by the British Horse Society.  

With her pony, Skye, Khas managed to pull off a brilliant intro walk performance and trot test.  However, the Equestrian was hit with a streak of bad luck as she could not perform in further contests due to red tape.

Sophia Khas will be unable to compete in British para-dressage events

Khas aspired to participate in the British para-dressage events but in vain as she was not qualified because of her disability. She applied for clarification from the authorities back in the autumn, of 2022. Though her case was taken up in a closed hearing, Khas was not given a chance to defend herself. And as it would be, she was denied participation. She met with the same fate in February after she decided to appeal against the prior judgment. 

Putting up a brave face According to Spalding Today Sophia responded to the verdict, “ I understand that they need to protect the nature of the sport and can’t just open it up to everyone.” However, she finds the restrictions to be too stringent for the disabled in British Equestrian when compared to swimming.  The former has only 5 classifications for disability unlike 14 in swimming. 

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The specially-abled equestrian said: “They have to be careful but it feels like if your condition is not one they like, you can’t even get past the front door.” And the present scenario can be improved with more transparency, open conversation, and explanation which Khas was deprived of. The British Equestrian, however, notes that it is abiding by the system recognized by the International governing bodies and reiterated that Sophia’s disability doesn’t fall under the eligible impairment classification.

Sophia Khas defies the concept of giving up

Though venturing into horse riding as a child, Khas took up riding again professionally, only a few years back. She got herself admitted to Four Winds Access Group and takes lessons from Kirsty Sweeney, Liz May, and Paula Leverton. 

She rides with the support of schooling whips, and looped reins. “Initially I was on crutches and as my condition has progressed I have played around with different aids and tools to help me ride,” explains Sophia on how she manages to ace the balancing act of riding. The passionate equestrian is fond of her horse Skye and aspires to become a doctor.

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