“My Dream is to represent Australia” Phoebe Roche 

– at the age of 28 Phoebe Roche has been given the opportunity to compete at the 2024 Virtus Open European Equestrian Championships in Winchester, Hampshire United Kingdom on the 15-19^th July this year in Dressage representing Australia. Phoebe is one of eight riders selected to ride for Australia at these World championships and needs our support to cover her competition costs.

Virtus is the global organisation that governs – advocates – organises – promotes elite sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment. It creates an inclusive world for people with an intellectual impairment to develop elite sport worldwide for athletes.

Phoebe started life 6 weeks premature with underdeveloped lungs placing her in an induced coma, before her first birthday was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Spastic Quadriplegia, and before her 3rd  birthday diagnosed with epilepsy later in life with Autism. Despite her tough start to life Phoebe doesn’t hold anything back. Phoebe has been a dedicated equestrian from any early age. Her father Doug who passed away in 2008 when Phoebe was only 12 years old and suffered from a Subdural Dermoid spinal injury bounding him to a wheelchair. He was a founding member and rider of the McIntyre Program in (Queensland) in the 1960’s which later turned into the Riding for Disabled Association (RDA) in 1964. Doug would take Phoebe at the age of 5 to the McIntyre Centre with her two legs in plaster for 6 months of each year to lengthen her ligaments after Botox. Phoebes love for horses turned into a competition pathway, Doug was her role model and Phoebes inspiration with horses.

Phoebe grew up riding at Moggill Pony Club, which was part of the McIntyre RDA Centre. Phoebe's potential was obvious when the McIntyre RDA developed a Dressage Squad where she participated in team and open competitions. 

Phoebe participated in Queensland Interschool competitions, then transitioned to Para Competition through Equestrian Queensland pathways. Phoebe now competes in FEI Grade IV Para-dressage events for Australia. She has been an active member and competitor with Para Equestrian. Phoebe was recognised as Victorian Para Equestrian of the Year in 2021.

In 2022 Phoebe finished her certificate in Equine Vet nursing, however faith had it a week after graduating a fall from a horse put her out of competition for an extended period. A further head injury has meant she has been unable to return to work or ride for an extended period. Determined to ride again, Phoebe has worked hard with her rehabilitation. Phoebe campaigning for the first 2 qualifiers for the Paris Olympics, her scores and rides were encouraging but have not put her into contention for selection. 

Phoebe was still expressed her determination and desire to ride for Australia. This is where Virtus has given Phoebe the pathway to achieve this goal to ride and represent Australia.

Phoebes mother Shaneen has also seen her fair share health hardships diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and overcoming Breast Cancer in year 2008. Shaneen is Phoebe’s sole carer who still requires fortnightly admission for her ongoing treatment of MS. 

Shaneen is a passionate supporter of Phoebe’s equestrian dreams. Uplifting and moving their family home in 2016 from Queensland to Victoria to support her daughters’ dreams of qualifying for the Para Olympics, exposing her more FEI Para competitions. Shaneen is Phoebes full time career and has sacrificed a lot to allow Phoebe to achieve this goal! However, on a disability pension is unable to meet the costs of an International competition on her own.

Riders will need to cover their own costs for the Championships. It is estimated that each rider will need approx. $9500 + the cost of an experienced support worker/groom to travel with. 

If you are able to assist in any small way it would be greatly appreciated. The dream of Representing Australia has been one since a child and has kept Phoebe focused in her rehabilitation and aspirations. 

Virtus is the brand name of the International Sports Federation for athletes with intellectual impairment and is a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee.