Journey with me, a fellow competitor, as I share the story of Sydney's own Brodie Pankhurst. A horse-lover at heart, Brodie is also a fighter who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an ailment that confines him to an electric wheelchair with a life expectancy not expected to cross the age of 30. Despite the immense challenges he faces, Brodie's spirit remains unbroken and his passion for horses undeterred. However, an unfair rule by the NSW Arabian Horse Association stops him from competing, banned under a regulation that prohibits all wheeled vehicles. Add to this the Agricultural Society's regulation that mandates all competitors to wear helmets, making it even more complex for Brodie to participate.

Such rules, despite their intended safety aspects, have failed to accommodate those with disabilities. In effect, they strip away the opportunity for individuals like Brodie to compete on an even platform. This exclusion not only impedes Brodie's passion but is also a poignant commentary on the lack of inclusivity in our society.

Australia prides itself on its promotion of diversity and inclusion. As at 2018, 17.7% of Australians were living with a disability (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2018). Yet, about half, 47.3 percent, of working-age (15-64 years) people with disability are not in the labor force that is participation in activities they love and find fulfilling is often barred.

I urge you, as empathetic individuals believing in an inclusive society, to sign this petition urging the NSW Arabian Horse Association to modify its rules to accommodate individuals like Brodie. It's time to break away from these discriminatory barriers and foster inclusive platforms where everyone, irrespective of their physical barriers, can enjoy and compete in the sport they love. Sign today, and show your support for Brodie and many others facing such obstacles in their lives.