A DISABLED horse rider's Paralympic hopes have been boosted by an £18,000 council grant for a new horse.

Twenty-one-year-old Emma Kent has been riding at the Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled in Darenth Park Avenue, Dartford, for seven years and is hoping to compete in the 2012 London games.

Dartford Council have given her chances a boost by granting £18,000 to the centre to help pay for a £30,000 'warm-blood' horse.

Speaking after hearing the good news, Miss Kent said that a particular type of horse is needed to suit her needs as a sufferer of Holt-Oram syndrome - a condition which causes abnormalities to the heart and upper limbs.

She said: "I am really grateful for the support. Hopefully we will be able to find a German or Dutch warm-blooded horse as they are lighter on my hands.

"If we can find a seven-year-old that is already trained then I might be able to use the same horse in the 2016 games.

Miss Kent, who lives in Northumberland Way, Northumberland Heath, added: "I already have one horse, Gentle, but to compete internationally it is important to have two and take the pressure off one and give it a chance for a rest.

"I missed an international tournament in France this year because my horse got injured. From now on I will be working hard to train for the 2012 games."

Kent County Council has also donated £5,000 while the centre has raised a further £3,000 through business sponsorship.

Arrow Riding is appealing for sponsorship and donations to raise the remaining £4,000.

If you would like to make a donation call the centre on 01322 294390.