The Paralympics have now been and gone, but the performances we witnessed from the Australia team will stay with us and provide inspiration as we look ahead to the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

Bridget Murphy and Penmain Promise, Dianne Barnes and Sorena, Stella Barton and Lord Larmarque, and Lisa Martin and Vilaggio more than held their own on the world stage. The Australian team placed twelfth and three combinations qualified and contested the Freestyle Competition on the final day, where despite the rain infectious joy radiated from those proudly donning the green and gold.

STELLA BARTON & LORD LARMARQUE (GRADE I)

“Stella secured her place
in the future of our sport and
certainly in our hearts.”

Paralympic debutant Stella Barton and 17-year-old stallion Lord Larmarque (Locksley II x Veroska, by Veritas AA), owned by Jade Moody, had a Paralympics to remember with groom Ashleigh Campton by their side.

With strong scores to their name back home in Australia, there was hope they’d be able to recreate it on the world stage. “The pressure was on these two to perform and that’s exactly what they did,” said Emma Booth after the Individual Competition, where the pair gained a score of 70.833% for eighth place. “Bug stayed focused and relaxed thanks to extremely clever riding from Stella, even with a huge atmosphere in Versailles.”

Selected for the Team Competition, they backed it up again with another impressive score the second time around. “From start to finish the pair had us in awe with the level of communication, impressive presence, and clear connection shared,” said Emma. “The only small hiccup was towards the end of the test when Bug decided he needed a bathroom break and stopped mid circle. Although Stella attempted to keep him moving, he didn’t continue until he was finished. Despite this little setback Stella put this mishap behind her and like the true professional she is, effortlessly completed the remaining movements of her test.”  The pair scored 70.375% for seventh place.

Then came Freestyle day; there had been plenty of happy tears from those watching Stella and Bug the two tests prior – and they weren’t about to stop. “Stella and Bug sand dancing to their Hanz Zimmer “Australia” Freestyle had me in tears of joy as the pair executed a test that could only be described as BLOODY BRILLIANT!” enthused Emma. “They absolutely owned the stage. After her final halt and salute, onlookers could feel every ounce of emotion Stella was exuding as she left the main arena with both hands held high above her head and an enormous smile. This is what our sport is all about!” With an impressive 73.960% to their name, they placed seventh and as Emma put it, “Stella secured her place in the future of our sport and certainly in our hearts.”

“A big mention must go to fellow Paralympian Sharon Jarvis, who facilitated this wonderful combination and has been Bug’s trainer at all qualifying events in Australia and currently in Paris,” adds Emma. “A massive shout out must also go to Stella’s long-term coach and para equestrian legend, Sally Francis. The effort that goes in behind the scenes is fundamental to a rider’s success and it’s so heartwarming to see when this superb teamwork leads to success.”

BRIDGET MURPHY & PENMAIN PROMISE (GRADE II)

Another Paralympic debutant, Bridget Murphy captured many hearts in Versailles with Penmain Promise (Triple Trees Prince Perfect x Mariana Lodge Yvonne, by Acheron Hot Chocolate), whom Bridget owns in conjunction with Rossanne Mason. Macey was groomed by Kate Arton for the Games.

“What a wonderful ride this combination had and how proud they must be!” said Emma follow the pair’s performance in the Individual competition. “At just seven years old, this Australian-bred Dutch Riding Pony x Welsh trotted around that world stage like an absolute professional. Bridget was tactful but certainly not playing it safe, riding with confidence and power. She showed the judges that although they may be small, they are fierce and absolutely mean business. The trot work from this combination was a highlight for me, with impulsion, ground cover and ease; they floated around the arena demanding everyone’s attention.” Bridget and Macey scored 66.724% and placed seventh

Named for the Team Competition, Bridget and Macey were the final combination to take the stage for Team Australia and they did a wonderful job, gaining a great score of 67.100%. “There were a few little moments of miscommunication, but Bridget recovered quickly after each,” explained Emma. “The test had energy, showed clear transitions and accuracy throughout. Although Bridget’s body naturally leans to one side, this by no means has an impact on how evenly Macey works on both reins, a true testament to Bridget’s ability and the training she has done with this young mare.” Remarkably, Bridget was the second person to ever sit on Macey and has trained the mare from a three-year-old through to now being a Paralympian; a feat in itself!

Qualifying for the Freestyle, it turned out that Bridget and Macey still had their best performance to come. “They danced such a graceful and technically difficult test to “Down Under” by Men At Work,” explained Emma. “The choreography was a highlight for me, showing symmetry and well executed, non-compulsory movements which added to their degree of difficulty. It was magnificent to watch Bridget point out to the judges their best facets and for her to be rewarded accordingly. We saw some extremely wise test riding by Bridget, securing a huge score of 70.154%. It is such an incredible feat to crack 70% on home soil let alone on the world stage at your first Paralympics.” Bridget placed seventh overall in that final ride.

“It’s just been amazing, the whole experience,” reflects Bridget. “From staging camp to the final salute, it’s all been brilliant. The team, the venues, my team, Macey… I am so happy and blessed that everything was so great. It was an awesome experience and I’m so proud to have represented Australia, and I hope Australia is proud of us too.”

We certainly are, Bridget!

DIANNE BARNES & SORENA (GRADE IV)

Although Di had ridden at the 2022 FEI World Championship in Herning, there is something very special about now being named a Paralympian. Partnered with Sharyn McCombe’s 14-year-old German-bred Oldenburg mare Sorena (Sir Donnerhall II x Romina) – who was groomed in Versailles by Rebecca Haythorpe – the pair produced some stunning work on the world stage.

Their pair contested the Individual Competition, and although Sorena was a little on-edge with the atmosphere – and that was reflected in the score of 65.444% – there was no doubting the mare’s quality and Di’s exceptional horsemanship.

“Di rode with such tact and showed her years of expertise across multiple disciplines, as she guided Sorena around the arena,” said Emma. “Although the Paralympic horses and riders arrived on venue several days ago, many people watching at home wouldn’t realise the short amount of time each combination are allowed in the main arena prior to competing. I think it could also be underestimated just what an impact the audience can have on many horses when they enter this electric atmosphere for the very first time. Di rode confidently, staying cool, calm and collected even though I’m sure the feeling of such a powerful and somewhat tense mare under her could have easily thrown many riders, no matter their level of experience.”

LISA MARTIN & VILAGGIO (GRADE V)

Paris marked Paralympics number two for Lisa Martin, who was this time riding her own seven-year-old gelding Vilaggio (by Vilancio out of Davinia, by Blue Hors Don Romantic).

The pair had a strong Games, with Vilaggio really showing his class despite his young age and relative inexperience at the level. Their campaign in Versailles began with the Individual Competition, where they produced a lovely, mistake-free test. “It was consistent and accurate, placing them in fifth position with a score of 70.436%,” said Emma.

In the Team Competition, the pair were the first out for Australia and had us all holding our breath momentarily. “Lisa had Australian viewers on their toes as she entered the main arena with groom Maddison McAndrew running alongside her and Vilaggio, but these fears were soon put to ease once they got into a rhythm after a rather wobbly centreline. The remainder of the test was pleasing to watch, and Lisa did us proud with a solid 68.868% and sixth place in the class.”

Also qualifying for the Freestyle, this is certainly where this combination really come into their own. “Lisa’s music was the perfect combination of modern and dramatic – she rode a wonderful test that was artistically so well put together and really highlighted her horse’s strengths,” said Emma. With a score of 71.905%, Lisa and Vilaggio placed sixth for another impressive result on the world stage. At just seven years old, it’s exciting to think where this horse could be in two or four years’ time.

“It’s been incredibly humbling and very emotional to have the opportunity to ride for my country at this very special place,” reflects Lisa. “I am also very proud of my horse Vilaggio for giving me so much happiness.”

EMMA’S WATCH LIST

Looking to performances from Paris that caught the eye, Emma Booth gives us her combination to watch from each grade.

Grade I: Rihards Snikus and King of the Dance (Latvia)

Rihards and King of the Dance claimed gold medals in the Individual Competition and Freestyle. “Rihards produced phenomenal tests aboard King of the Dance. This combination oozed quality, accuracy and purpose, all things the judges love to see, with a walk that is one in a million. They are extremely hard to beat,” says Emma.

Grade II: Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes (USA)

“This pair has made their Paralympic debut, won three gold medals (Individual, Team and Freestyle), and let the world know who they are why they should expect to see much more of them in the future,” said Emma. “At such a young age I think it’s safe to say these two have got a long, successful career ahead.”

“This pair has let the world
know who they are…”

Grade III: Rixt Van Der Horst and Royal Fonq (The Netherlands)

This combination took the silver medal in the Individual Competition, Team Competition and Freestyle. “Rixt and Royal Fonq were an absolute thrill to watch with so much energy!” said Emma.

“I truly hope this combination stay together heading into the FEI World Championships and LA Paralympics. I think they’ve got so much more to give and although they just missed out on gold in Paris, I think this will have lit a fire in their belly and it will continue to burn for the next two years until they can have another crack in 2026!”

Grade IV: Demi Haerkens and Daula (The Netherlands)

With gold medals in the Individual Competition and Freestyle, plus a silver in the Team Competition, Demi and Daula were another standout combination at the Games.

“This combination is so pleasing to watch, simultaneously embodying relaxation and energy, which is something all dressage riders strive to achieve, and the ‘element’ judges love to see,” said Emma. “Daula was elastic, supple and attentive, giving a harmonious overview which is always so pleasing to watch. A one in a million that has the perfect combination of talent and brains.”

Grade V: Sophie Wells and LJT Egebjerggards Samoa (Great Britain)

Sophie and LJT Egebjerggards Samoa gained bronze medals in the Individual Competition and Freestyle.

“I don’t think many riders could have managed to produce such breathtaking work from this inexperienced horse on the world stage in such an electric atmosphere. With beautiful paces, a stunning appearance and willing attitude, this horse proved himself and looks like an extremely promising dance partner for Sophie in the future,” said Emma.

“This horse is so young and with Sophie continuing to build on this partnership over the next few years they’re going to be right up there near the gold position.”

AN EXCITING FUTURE

With the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen on the horizon and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics just four years away, we’ll of course all be watching our Aussie riders with excitement – and not just our fab four from Paris, but also those shortlisted. In the lead up to Paris, there was so much depth and talent among the combinations in contention and no doubt more will be unearthed between now and the next Australian team. Bring on Aachen and LA! EQ