My name is Claire Skerman and I am determined to represent Australia in my sport - Para Equestrian.

In 2017, I had a serious fall breaking my back in multiple places including a burst fracture of L3. It was so badly damaged that the only way they could repair my spine was to fuse it. One of my ribs had to be removed in order to assist with the surgery and I had to learn how to walk again. I also have a significant scoliosis and have been left with reduced mobility in my back and weakness in my left leg.

Since my accident, I have worked extremely hard to get back to doing what I love - riding and competing. I finished up Reserve Champion at Nationals last year and overall Champion in the CPEDI2* at Boneo in April this year. I have also recently been named on the Recognition A Squad for Australia.

The ultimate goal with my beautiful horse 'Flame' is to represent Australia internationally at the Paralympic Games/ World Equestrian Games. Selection for the 2024 Paris Games is unlikely being such a new partnership with Flame, however I would really love to have a crack at qualifying. Unfortunately this journey is rather expensive with the qualification/selection events costing me over $2000 per event and that's if they are held in Victoria. I would also love to take Flame interstate to compete at the top level but without some help this will not be possible.

Any donation no matter how big or small will greatly assist me with the ongoing costs of competitions and help me to achieve my goals! Thank you so much for supporting me!