Amanda Shirtcliffe
Para dressage rider and para carriage driver. Diagnosed with dystonia in 2012, riding for her country by 2013.
The story
“I missed the electrifying buzz and nervous energy of a competition arena.”
Amanda Shirtcliffe
Amanda grew up in the saddle: first lesson at six, then the showring and cross-country. In February 2012 she was diagnosed with dystonia, an incurable neurological movement disorder affecting her legs, arms, neck, balance and co-ordination.
Most people would have settled for just being able to ride again. Watching the London 2012 Paralympics, Amanda decided she wanted more. Within weeks of getting back in the saddle she won her first para dressage competition. Within a year she was riding for Great Britain.
From diagnosis to Team GB
Every step since 2012 has been about getting back to the competition arena, then going further than before.
Diagnosed with dystonia. Months later, the London Paralympics shows her what’s possible.
First para dressage competition, on Millie (Run of the Mill). Wins the British Dressage para talent spotting competition, posts the top score of the Para Home International and makes her international debut for Great Britain.
Selected for the British Equestrian Excel squad, the Podium Potential Pathway.
Competing abroad for Great Britain, and selected for the British Equestrian World Class Podium Potential squad.
Clean sweep and Team Champion at Bishop Burton FEI CPEDI, and Grade III Gold national champion at the LeMieux National Championships.
2nd at the Maimarkt-Turnier in Mannheim, Germany, Grade III Gold champion at the Para Gold Summer Championships and a British Dressage national title.
Clean sweep at Bishop Burton CPEDI3*: wins all three Grade III tests with New Princess, including the freestyle, her best international score. Also 2nd at CHI Al Shaqab in Qatar with Remi II.
Double winner at Bishop Burton CPEDI3* again, taking the team test with Remi II and the individual test with Hermione.
Starts learning para carriage driving.
Drives in her first competition in April. Six months later she drives for Great Britain at the FEI Para Driving World Championships in Lähden, Germany, finishing 9th of 17 in Grade I. The squad later receives the RDA’s Birt Spooner Cup. Reclassified Grade I in para dressage as her dystonia progresses.
Back in the dressage arena after almost three years away. Wins on her Grade I debut with her new horse, Kirkstall Spirit, and in October rides him for Great Britain on his international debut at the Wellington CPEDI2*.
The plan: qualify at internationals in both sports, starting in Doha in February, for selection for the para dressage European Championships in Denmark and the FEI Para Driving World Championships in Poland. Back the plan
Two disciplines
Para Dressage
The only equestrian sport at the Paralympic Games. Precision, harmony and a test ridden to the judge at C.
Para dressage career
Para Driving
Dressage, marathon and cones, from the seat of a carriage. Amanda’s newest discipline, and 9th place at her first World Championships.
Para driving careerThe horses behind the story
Kirkstall Spirit
- Known as
- Timmy
- Breed
- Thoroughbred
- Level
- 2*
New Princess
- Known as
- Shrek
- Breed
- Danish
- Level
- 3*
Remi II
- Known as
- King Kevin
- Breed
- Oldenburg
- Level
- 3*
Giving back
Amanda is patron of Ride High, the Milton Keynes charity that uses horses to transform the lives of vulnerable children. Last year it supported a record 374 of them.
“I’ve witnessed first-hand the impact they have on young lives,” she says. She also mentors new para riders with the Para Equestrian Foundation and judges for the Riding for the Disabled Association. Away from the yard she speaks to businesses, schools and clubs about resilience and elite sport.
Put your name on the British flag
Para equestrian sport runs on partnerships. Amanda brings a story people remember, a loyal following and a place on the international stage. Supporters help fund the horses, coaching, travel and kit that get her there.
It doesn’t have to be money. Feed, transport, kit, services or time all help build the winning team, from local Milton Keynes businesses to national brands. Not a business? Back the horses directly.
- Brand visibilityYour logo on rugs, saddle pads, clothing and the horsebox. At FEI internationals logos can go on competition clothing, rugs and kit, within FEI size rules. At World and European Championships Amanda rides in GB team kit, so arena branding is limited and training kit is governed by the British team.
- Your own supporter pageA dedicated page on amandashirtcliffe.co.uk with a write-up of your business, photos and links, plus a place in the supporter listings across the site.
- Content and socialBehind-the-scenes posts, competition updates and supporter shout-outs across Facebook and Instagram, with content you can use in your own marketing.
- Talks and appearancesAmanda speaks on resilience, disability and elite sport for staff events, customer days, schools and clubs.
- Products, put to workHonest, real-world testing and endorsement of equestrian, mobility, health and wellbeing products.
- Community impactLink your brand to Amanda’s work as patron of Ride High, the Milton Keynes charity changing children’s lives through horses.
Supported by
Thank you to the businesses who have backed Amanda’s journey.
Nuffield Health Milton KeynesFitness and wellbeing gymRead about Nuffield Health
The Hinks ClinicSports therapy and injury rehabRead about Hinks Clinic
Maxine BrycePerformance coachingRead about Maxine
DemkoOrganic beds and mattressesRead about Demko
TimeBack CleaningDomestic cleaning, Milton KeynesRead about TimeBack
MOSHWebsite design and buildRead about MOSHBecome a supporterJoin the team behind Amanda.