A HORSE riding champion who dreams of going to the Paralympics won £500 from a shopping centre.

Michael Murphy, who lives in Mill Hill, has been going to Penniwells Riding Centre for the Disabled, in Edgwarebury Lane, Elstree, since he was four.

Now 18, he was named the winner of the Broadwalk Centre’s Community Fund, which is run in conjunction with the Times Series.

He will use the money to help him pay for his expenses at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil – which costs £20,000.

Michael has Dejerine-Sottas syndrome, which causes severe muscle weakness and loss of sensation in his limbs.

When he first started horse-riding lessons he was dependent on two instructors to help him through.

But with strong determination and persistence, Michael has reached a high standard in horse-riding.

Michael spoke about the special bond he has with his horse, Aura: He said: “It’s me and her against the world. She has the best temperament, she’s good with my disability, nothing fazes her and we work really well together.”

As well as helping Michael physically, there are also psychological benefits from horse-riding.

He said: “It’s amazing psychologically for anyone but it gives me the motivation to keep doing my physiotherapy and to fight my disability instead of doing nothing.”

He qualified for the Grade 1a Open Winter Championships last year and was the youngest in the world to win the 2* Senior International Para Dressage Competition.

He has recently competed in 3 international competitions this year and is now looking to the Paralympics.

He said: “It’s my dream and aim to compete in the Paralympics one day, horses can be variable but I will keep riding and training.”

Michael’s mother, Sue Murphy said: “What’s fantastic about horse-riding, apart from the competing is that he needs it for therapy so he’s doing the therapy without realising it and that’s great.”

Michael’s coach, Sarah Healing, who has worked with Michael for 14 years, believes he has a good chance of winning if he competes at the Paralympics.

She said: “He certainly has the determination as he always been very determined and has a lot of support behind him, he just needs to find the right horse that is fit, well and healthy.”

To continue competing in internationals and home competitions Michael has to raise £20,000 to fund the expenses. So far £1,500 has been raised from ruffles and donations at a street party and a £500 voluntary donation.