Jayne and Jack's World Championship Dream

Help an Aberdeenshire lassie fulfil her dream to be part of the

British Para Carriage Driving Team in the World Para Championships in the

Netherlands in 2023.

We are fundraising to assist in covering costs to train and achieve Jayne’s goal, to compete as part of the British Para Carriage Driving Team in The Para World Championships in the Netherlands August 2023.

A little bit about Jayne and Jack

My name is Jayne McGarvie and I am a Registered part-time Veterinary Nurse in Aberdeenshire.

Eight years ago, when I was 29, I had a serious car accident that resulted in a left sided stroke and brain injury. Following three months of hospital care and rehabilitation, I was able to return home and continue my recovery with the help of the fantastic specialists and my family and friends. I am very grateful to all of them and especially the amazing NHS team who have helped me with my long, challenging rehabilitation and together we continue to make improvements.

From having to relearn to walk and build up strength in my left side, I never even dreamt that I’d be back riding again, let alone learning to carriage drive and now aiming to qualify for the GB Para Team!

It took a long time for me to find my amazing Gypsy Cob, Scrumpy Jack but he was worth the wait, and we make a great team. We enjoy training and competing in ridden and carriage driving events locally. I attend the Riding for Disabled (RDA), Garioch Carriage Driving Group at Old Rayne, Aberdeenshire and progressed in 2019 to compete at the RDA National Championships in England and we were delighted to be placed 3rd in our class.

We have progressed from RDA Competitions, and we are now aiming for the Para’s.

Community impact & giving back

Carriage Driving has been a part of RDA since 1975 and is particularly useful for people unable to ride due to their disability. It also helps to improve coordination and balance and gives the disabled driver a wonderful sense of freedom, being out in the open air with a pony. RDA participants are encouraged to compete or take part in RDA competitions including classes like showing, dressage and obstacle.

I was the first RDA Scottish member to drive and ride their own horse at a National Championship and it was made possible with the right support & guidance from those within my local RDA Group.

Using my experience, I intend to share my knowledge and encourage anyone who is interested in Para Carriage Driving by helping to bring awareness about the pathways through RDA to Para. I would especially like to inspire those who think themselves unable to proceed or volunteer in the sport.

Why we are crowdfunding?

Recently Scrumpy Jack and I trained with the GB POD Training Group* at a two-day camp in Biggar, Lanarkshire, where we showed further improvements, and we were encouraged to train for a place in the British Team with the overall aim being to compete at the Para World Championships in the Netherlands in August 2023.

Sponsorship and donations would enable myself, Jack and my Navigator/Assistant/, Fiona Smith to be able to take this opportunity and realise our dream.

How we will spend the money raised?

We estimate that it will cost approximately £5000 to get to and take part in a 3 week training camp in Gloucestershire which takes place February/March 2023. Then at least a further £20,000 to get to various prerequisite competitions and training events. And then to reach our ultimate target in the Netherlands in August 2023.

This will consist of Eric Gillie Ltd, Equine Transporters taking Scrumpy Jack along with his carriage, harness and very importantly… his food, to Gloucestershire for the training camp and to the various other events around Scotland, England and Wales. As well as to and from the shipping port for transfer to the Netherlands. Funding for Jack's transportation in the EU will also be required.

Jack will require an FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) passport, special Vet examinations, blood samples and paperwork to ensure safe passage to and from Europe.

Fiona and I will need travel - trains, planes and automobiles - as well as accommodation, FEI testing, coaching/lessons, assessments etc. We will also need to have a contingency plan in case of unforeseen circumstances or illness, which could mean we require emergency transportation, stabling, etc.

How you can help us to succeed in our endeavours?

Any contribution towards this will be very welcome. All donations will be acknowledged and can be made via this page.

Please spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

Progress updates will be made using social media, i.e. Facebook.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you wish to sponsor or donate through other means than the crowdfunder page

I hope that our efforts will provide us with some sporting cheer to enjoy in 2023.

GB POD Training Group* = A cost effective, sustainable training and preparation initiative for Carriage Drivers