Blanks' WEG campaign begins

Para-Equestrian Nicole Blanks was the single Aussie in action on Tuesday at Caen’s La Prairie Racecourse, competing in the Grade 4 team’s event for the FEI World Equestrian Games 2014

Like all members of Australia’s Para-Equestrian team, these Games are Blanks’ first and the 23 year old enjoyed every moment out on the arena.    

“It was awesome, I loved it. I had an absolute ball,” she said.

“My whole family is here to support me. That’s the best thing about being here is that they’re here to support me while I ride for Australia.”

Blanks’ mount Vledder is based in Holland and the Melbourne based University student has regulalry travelled between Australia and Europe in the last year to qualify and prepare for the Games.  

For their first test the pair scored 66.5 and finished in seventh position.   

“I love him. He’s the sweetest horse I’ve ever owned. He tries so hard for me,” she said.   

The Individual Championship tests for grades 3 and Ib will be contested on Wednesday with scores from both the team’s test and individual championship test to contribute to a nation’s overall score.

Australia’s Joann Formosa won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the grade Ib individual championship test.    

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