LAST Friday night, Para-Equestrian WA held a showcase of Western Australian riders in honour of International Day of People with a Disability.

The event, called Partners in the dance as a reflection of the partnership between athletes and their horses, was a hit with the community.

There was barely an empty seat left in the indoor arena at the State Equestrian Centre, with more than 100 people heading down to Brigadoon to spend their Friday night watching Para-Equestrian Western Australia’s freestyle dressage showcase.

Sixteen talented riders including para-athletes, pony club members and riders from Equestrian WA’s open divisions showed off their skills and partnerships with their horses.

Each rider choreographed a six-to-eight-minute dressage routine which was scored for its difficulty, flow and execution.
Para-Equestrian Working Group WA chair Lisa Baker said it was more important than ever to showcase the breadth and diversity of equestrian sport in WA.

“We are one of the fastest growing sectors of the equestrian world, and more and more people are recognising the benefits of working with animals and horses in particular,” she said.

“Many of our riders start at Riding for the disabled, which is the therapeutic end of the program, and para-equestrian riding is the next level, and the pathway for athletes to become competitive and even get to the Paralympics.

“There were many people in the audience who weren’t part of the equestrian community, who had seen our advertising and just wanted to come down and investigate.

“Everyone I talked to had a great night, it was really special to see people being entertained by our talented riders, and learning about the para- equestrian sort at the same time.”

Para-Equestrian WA recently received a state government grant to help them run the event, which was organised to coincide with early celebrations for the International Day of People with a Disability, which is recognised around the country on December 3.

More than a 100 organisations received additional funding from the state government this year of up to $1000 to assist with running inclusive events to mark the internationally recognised occasion.

Ms Baker said the extra funding helped make the event extra special for both riders and spectators.

“We were delighted to receive the grant; it has helped us bring this event to life and make it as fun and inclusive as possible,” she said.

The theme for this year’s international day is confident, capable and creative: come with me and Ms Baker said this could not relate more to Western Australia’s para-equestrian athletes.

“Para means parallel to able-bodied athletes,” she said.

“We have athletes competing of every shape and size, with an array of disabilities, and they are all just as capable and connected to their sport as their able-bodied counterparts.

“For people to be able to come to the showcase and see riders of every ability riding together is really great.”