KEIGHLEY’S champion horse-riding duo James Reed-Griffiths and T-Jay Wilson have each bagged two gold medals in the Special Olympics World Games.

The youngsters between them scooped six medals while representing their country in equestrian classes at the games in Abu Dhabi.

They were among five athletes from Bradford district competing with Team GB in a range of sports against other people with learning, and or intellectual, disabilities.

T-Jay won a gold in the English Working trials, a gold for English Equitation, and a bronze for dressage.

James won golds for dressage and Working Trials, and a silver for English Equitation.

James Griffiths and T-Jay, who both ride with Haworth Riding for the Disabled, were part of a team coordinated by Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure.

James, who has Asperger's Syndrome, said horse riding had helped him gain confidence and deal with social situations.

Jackie Butterfield from Haworth Riding for the Disabled said she was over the moon that both the group’s riders had won gold medals, adding: “They are so inspirational.”

The pair were also praised by Laura Butterfield, a showjumping and dressage rider and trainer who is head coach and assistant yard manager at Haworth RDA.

She regularly posted updates on Facebook during the World Cup games, writing she couldn’t be any prouder of her riders.

The Special Olympics World Games, which finished on March 21, involved hundreds of athletes from more than 170 countries with intellectual disabilities.

James and T-Jay travelled to Abu Dhabi early in March with Bradford district basketball player Neil Hartley, cyclist Ella Curtis and golfer Mark Rhodes, and cycling coach Tim Curtis.

Julia Gourley, who was with Team GB’s equestrian squad, posted detailed reports on Facebook of each day’s competition.

She wrote how T- Jay had ridden a “super fluent” round in the B level Working Trails to win a gold medal.

She added: “James had a super round until the horse refused to go near the camera tower. He rode really tactfully to give the horse confidence to then get past it, and continue the rest of the course resulting in gold.”

“Dressage and final day for the equestrian was a great success for all the riders, with everyone gaining a medal.

“James did particularly well to win gold in his division, as his horse was very spooky at both judges’ tables. He rode with great calmness and tact. T-Jay rode really tidy tests to win bronze in his section.

“Very well done to the whole team who have remained in great spirits despite the very early mornings and late nights!”

At a civic reception earlier this month in Keighley Civic Centre, they were sent on their way by Keighley deputy mayor Peter Corkindale, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Martin Smith, Bradford Council leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, and Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places.