A talented teenage rider from Stirling has received a letter from Nicola Sturgeon in one of her final pieces of correspondence as First Minister.
Born 14 weeks early in 2006, Millie Boo Smith has cerebral palsy and bilateral hearing loss.
The 16-year-old started horseriding at a young age to help with coordination and strength, and quickly developed a passion for horses, riding and dressage. She took part in her first competition in 2016 - and won.
Since then she has gone from strength to strength, with her achievements being recognised both locally and nationally.
Millie Boo rides for Equipower Central Scotland RDA group near Stirling as well as riding at Wellsfield near Denny.
Last week, however, she was delighted to receive a letter from Nicola Sturgeon, praising her accomplishments.
In the correspondence, the soon to be former First Minister wrote: “I am writing to offer my warmest congratulations on all your recent successes.
“Among your achievements you won the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Participant of the Year, became Forth Valley Disability Sportsperson of the Year and was runner up in the Sunday Mail YoungScot Awards.
“You then went on to win the RDS UK Virtual Championships and received a special recognition award from your school.
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“These are amazing achievements, proving what can be accomplished if you are willing to show determination and hard work.
“I am sure everyone who knows you will be as proud as I am of all your achievements.
“Well done and best wishes, Nicola.”
The achievements of the young rider had been highlighted last year in the Scottish Parliament by Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed, who lodged a parliamentary motion honouring the 15-year-old.
In 2021 she was named RDA Participant of the Year in recognition of her success, commitment, enthusiasm and dedication and was presented with the award by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
At that time, her dad Steven said: “We are incredibly proud of Millie Boo’s hard work, dedication and enthusiasm. She has a fighting spirit and a dedication to horse riding which has helped her cope with having cerebral palsy. She doesn’t let her cerebral palsy hold her back, everything she does is with a huge smile.”
And Stirling MSP Evelyn said: “Millie is a such a huge inspiration and here in Stirling we couldn’t be more proud of her achievements.
“Millie and her family have worked very hard to get to this point, despite lockdown stopping horse riding from taking place for a significant time. It’s testament to Millie’s dedication and their spirit as a family that Millie has had such wonderful success.
“Millie’s passion for horses shines through clear as day and there’s no doubt that her future is very bright. I am sure everyone in Stirling will join me in wishing Millie the very best of luck.”
