- Brodie Pankhurst, 12, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Recently banned from competing with show horses
- Decision handed down by NSW Arabian Horse Association
- Felt safety of ‘other horses and competitors’ was compromised
A disabled boy has been left shattered after he was banned from taking part in his favourite sport due to a recent rule change.
Sydney-based Brodie Pankhurst, 12, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which gradually weakens the muscles in his body.
He has been competing with show horses – but his main joy in life has now been ripped away from him.
It comes after the NSW Arabian Horse Association opted to implement a new rule banning all wheeled vehicles in competitions.
Competitors are also required to wear helmets, which has stopped Brodie from taking part.
His distraught mother Mel Millard labelled the recent rule change ‘heartbreaking’.
Brodie also has a life expectancy of just 30.
‘It’s a struggle given he can’t do it forever,’ Mrs Millard told Channel Nine’s Today show on Wednesday.
Disabled youngster Brodie Pankhurst – who has been left shattered after he was banned from taking part in his favourite sport – broke down on the Today show on Wednesday (pictured)
The 12-year-old has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which gradually weakens the muscles in his body and has left him with a life expectancy of just 30
His distraught mother Mel Millard (pictured right) labelled the recent rule change from the NSW Arabian Horse Association ‘heartbreaking’
‘Obviously with his wheelchair… with his setup he can’t wear a helmet because of his [lack of muscular] support.
‘It’s heartbreaking, he’s a 12-year-old boy… let him go out and do what he loves.’
Ms Millard also told Today co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo that the family has endured ‘discrimination issues’ due to ‘supposed safety concerns’.
Brodie himself said the ban was ‘unfair’ and that leading his two horses around – Promise and Ruby – ‘gives me stuff to do.’
Ms Millard added it would be great to see her son ‘doing what he loves without being harassed.’
She was informed by the NSW Arabian Horse Association that the rule was implemented with the ‘safety of other horses and competitors’ in mind.
It is also understood Ms Millard’s daughter has been stood down from competing unless looming legal proceedings are withdrawn.
