A loader that changed my life

Jamie Williams, who represented Team GBR for the first time in Carriage Driving last year broke his back 10 years ago, which resulted in him being left paralysed from the waist down. Not letting this get in his way, Jamie’s hard work, determination and real passion, has seen him take the Carriage Driving world by storm.

Based in Hastings, Jamie loves everything about Carriage Driving and it has enabled him to travel around the world to participate in the sport.

Last year Jamie and his 14.2hh Hackney, Glen achieved fourth place individually and team bronze at the FEI World Para Driving Championships, held in the Netherlands.

Said Jamie: “It was an incredible honour to represent my country, I was over the moon at being placed at my first ever world championships.”

At home, although Jamie has learnt to manage his team of six horses on a daily basis, everyday tasks often required someone else to help – but recently his life has changed – and for the better with the addition of the Hand Drive Avant 528 compact loader to assist around the yard.

The Avant compact loader can be controlled and driven forward and reversed directly from either control mechanism. Because the drive can be operated with the thumb on the joystick, the driver can manoeuvre and control the movements of the boom at the same time. This makes it possible also for paraplegic people to make full use of the machine.