Blanks secures start in Freestyle

Grade 4 Para-Equestrian Nicole Blanks has secured a start in Friday’s Freestyle after finishing sixth in the individual championship at the FEI World Equestrian Games 2014.

Blanks and her 12 year old gelding Vledder received a score of 66.810 which combined with their score of 66.5 from the team test put them in seventh position overall.

The 23 year old needed to finish in the top seven in order to progress to the final day of competition. 

The result is a tremendous achievement given the 23 year old lives in a different hemisphere to her mount.

“I bought Vledder in February last year. He’s based in Holland and in the last year I’ve made the trip from Australia six times in preparation for the World Equestrian Games.

“It’s been a big year and a lot of hard work but today makes it worth it.   

“I knew what I had to do to make it and I went out there and gave it 100 percent.

“All I wanted to do today was make that Freestyle and I’m so glad to be starting tomorrow,” she said.  

Friday marks the final day of Para-Equestrian competition at these Games and for grade 1b Para-Equestrian Joann Formosa it will be an emotional day as it will be the last time that she competes internationally with her Paralympic gold medal winning horse Worldwide PB.

In the team's event Australia's combined score of 404.484 gave them a final ranking of 13th.

Results