Rebecca Stevens Triumphs Over Adversity in Driving for the Disabled Championship

The Duchess of Edinburgh commended Rebecca Stevens, the recent champion of the Driving for the Disabled Championship, for her remarkable achievements and described her as a "natural." Stevens, a 28-year-old from Caversham in Reading, Berkshire, has been living with functional neurological disorder (FND), a condition that disrupts the nervous system's communication with the body.

Winning the championship at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May was a surreal experience for Stevens, who stated, "My disorder hasn't stopped me achieving and I'm determined not to let it define me." Reflecting on her journey, she expressed immense pride in overcoming numerous challenges. In 2021, while at a stable, she unexpectedly experienced a mini-stroke that left her with mobility issues on one side of her body and impacted her speech. "It came out of nowhere and it was very scary," she recalled. "I had to start from scratch."

Stevens' battle with FND includes symptoms like seizures, severe fatigue, muscle weakness, and cognitive fog. "I have good days and bad days," she explained. "I take the good days as a win; they are a huge success, but on bad days I can't get out of bed." She emphasized the difficulty of explaining her condition to others, noting that she often appears outwardly normal despite her struggles.

Her life has taken a different trajectory than she had anticipated five years ago. "I never expected to be diagnosed with a neurological disorder," she shared, adding that competing in the driving championship was beyond her wildest dreams. Meeting the Duchess of Edinburgh was a highlight, as she described it as a "real treat," with the Duchess acknowledging her as a natural talent.

Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Stevens found a renewed passion for equestrian activities through carriage driving, introduced to her by family friend Judi Ralls and her pony, Oakhaze McClintok, affectionately known as "Squeak." "Carriage driving has given me a new sense of freedom and independence," she noted. "This class shows how disabilities don't define or stop us from achieving our dreams." She hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others facing similar challenges to pursue their passions.