Dave and Ruth in dressage bidfor Alzheimer’s

Dave Brackpool and Ruth Snowden are taking part in the My Quest National Dressage Championships to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Ruth and Dave came first and third respectively at the regional finals, earning places in the nationals on October 28 in Bedfordshire. Unusually, they will be competing against each other but both riding the same horse.

Dave, 52, has had Coda for three years and introduced him to dressage a few years ago. Now 13, the horse was originally bred for meat in Poland, but was saved on the way to the slaughterhouse.

Ruth said: “Coda is built like a tank. He’s not really what you would describe as a dressage horse, but he loves to please.”

Dave, who lives in York, met Ruth, a 36-year-old bathroom designer from Easingwold, six months ago through mutual friends. Alongside the competition, Ruth has also been selected to ride in a masterclass with Coda when he will be wearing saddle cloths embroidered with the Alzheimer’s Research UK logo and a bespoke browband in the charity’s colours.

The pair wanted to fundraise for Alzheimer’s Research UK as both of their families have been affected by dementia. Ruth’s grandmother, June Cresswell, died with mixed dementia in May at the age of 90.

Ruth said: “My Nana was a very organised, efficient lady with an active mind and a caring personality. She loved to dance, read and cook, but when she developed dementia and experienced memory problems, she could no longer enjoy her hobbies. She became very confused and panicky and eventually needed 24-hour care.

“Dave and I are supporting dementia research because it’s the only way to find a treatment or a way to prevent the condition.”

The pair hope to raise at least £1,500 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, which funds studies into dementia research, focusing on diagnosis, prevention and treatments for the condition. To support Ruth, Dave and Coda, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Coda