Following a very successful training camp at East Soley, in England, the 7 riders, horses and support staff of 12 moved into the competition venue at Hartpury College in Gloucester for the 2007 FEI World Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships.
After two more days of intensive training under the guidance of National Team Coach, Andrea Taylor, the horses were presented for inspection at the Trot Up, as it is known in England, and all passed with flying colours.
The four riders selected to ride on the Team are British Columbia natives Lauren Barwick of Langley on Fabiola, 2004 Paralympian Karen Brain of Saanichton on Monaco, Eleonore Elstone, also of Langley on Rapido Ridge and Jennifer McKenzie of maple Ridge on Riva Dee. Also representing Canada as individuals are Dax Adam of Scarborough, ON on Donnymaskell, Ashley Gowanlock of Surrey, BC on Quentchen Gluck and Philip Wright of Salmon Arm, BC on Sheepcote’s Diorissama.
Chef d’Equipe Elizabeth Robinson said this is the strongest representation Canada has ever produced for an International Para-Equestrian Dressage Competition. As most of the riders do not own the horses on which they are competing, and in fact some have only ridden them for a few days before arriving at camp, it makes it very different from able-bodied competitions. “We are fortunate to have found quality horses for all riders, and look forward to being competitive at Hartpury,” she stated.
The World Championships will decide which nations and how many riders will be eligible to compete at next year’s Paralympic Games in Hong Kong.
About the Para Equestrian Discipline
In Para Equestrian, each rider is classified according to his or her functional ability. They are assessed by trained physiotherapists and doctors who evaluate either muscle strength, coordination, or a combination thereof throughout the athlete’s body. The rider is then given a functional profile that indicates the grade in which they would compete. There are five Grades of competitions, with Grade Ia representing the more severely impaired riders, and Grade IV representing the least severely impaired riders. The competition within each Grade is judged on the functional skill of the rider, and not the level of disability.
About Para Equestrian Canada
Para Equestrian Canada is the discipline committee of Equine Canada which is responsible for developing and implementing programs on behalf of the Para Equestrian community, and administrating the high performance program for dressage riders with a disability.
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