LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A unique display of athleticism took place in Shelby County on Saturday. Equestrian riders with disabilities from all over the state competed at the 2023 State Equestrian Competition.

Ian Powers, 21, has been riding horses since he was three.

“I like horse riding because it like, teaches me how to be talk to the horse,” Powers said.

The statewide competition gave riders from therapeutic and private riding organizations the chance to show off what they got.

“My next event is equitation class, and that means I have to make sure that I can know what to do like trot, halt, reverse and all that kind of stuff with my horse,” He said. 

Powers has been working with Dream Riders of Kentucky and their horse named Lady who helps those with special needs experience the sport.

“My moods and know that if I don’t have a good attitude, then the horse can pick up on it,” Powers said.

Powers competed in a number of events but he said he has a clear favorite — the dressage test.

“I have to, like, do multiple stuff and concentrate while on the horse,” he said.

Thirty-five athletes competed from six different programs from all over the state, displaying their athleticism at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.

“They have this amazing bond with their horse because they’ve been training with them for months, and all year, and they get a chance to come here and kind of show what they’ve learned, what they can do. But what is equally really satisfying is watching the parents, the moms and dads and the coaches that have been working with them all year,” said CEO of Special Kentucky Olympics Trish Mazzoni.

Powers said years of experience is paying off; so far, he won a gold medal in class 15 dressage test.

“I think I’m doing pretty well,” Powers said. 

Powers wished luck to the rest of the teams competing.