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Clay Roberts, of Golden, Texas, has earned more than 60 medals in Special Olympics equestrian events. |
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He's not usually in the house. Try the pasture, the barn or near the shrill sounds and blinding sparks of a 4,000 watt welding machine. If he's not there, he might be on the road to an event, competing for another medal. He already has 60 in just equestrian events, not counting his other activities.
Clay Roberts, a graduate of Mineola High School, is the 23-year-old son of Mike and Renae Roberts of Golden, Texas, USA. He was part of Team USA as an equestrian competitor at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland.
It all began when his mom saw a Special Olympics equestrian event and realized, "My show horse can do that for Clay." Roberts began training in 1992, and Renae Roberts became a certified Special Olympics equestrian coach that same year.
He was initially a cautious rider, reluctant to compete in anything but the entry-level walk/trot with a leader. "Our goal of having Clay ride alone was intimidating to him," his mother notes. Then one day a friend in the practice arena simply said, "Clay, ride that horse over here" - and he did. He's been on his own ever since, and is now an "A" level rider, competing in 10 of the 12 Equestrian events Special Olympics Texas offers, including dressage, trail, western riding and timed events such as barrels, poles, stakes and team relay.
Roberts has more than 60 Special Olympics medals in equestrian events, including a gold and two silver medals from the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games in North Carolina.
Special Olympics athletes who compete in equestrian events learn to ride, develop sports skills and gain the self-confidence to direct and control a horse. Athletes are able to compete in a variety of English- and Western-style events, including relays, drill teams and prix caprilli (jumping events).
At the World Games, his rides were the luck of the draw. "It's no big deal to ride different horses," he says. "I'm a good rider and I've ridden lots of different horses at different places." His mother boasts, "Whatever it is — he'll ride it. We're very proud and feel good about his selection to compete in the World Games."
Roberts was one of more than 1,000 athletes from across the United States, competing with Team USA. However, traveling to Europe for World Games presented a challenge to Team USA and its athletes. Team USA athletes nationwide are encouraged to assist in local fundraising efforts to offset travel expenses for this nearly three week adventure. His community has long supported his efforts, including offering a scholarship at Kilgore College for a 12-week welding school. Roberts attended classes throughout the week, coming home only on weekends.
"Rather than just asking for donations, he decided to make something using his welding skills," says Renae Roberts. Clay Roberts makes Texas-themed lamps, coat racks and tables, created almost entirely of welded iron. Adding horse shoes, stars, ropes, Texas flags, and other accessories make his furniture both functional and fun. His mother assists with trimming and painting.
"Special Olympics is fun and exciting. You meet lots of people," he says. "Ireland was fun. I met lots of new people from different countries." says Roberts.
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