Jodie McKeown marvels in the Marathon at World Championships

By Berni Saunders.

Saturday 26th August, 2023 was the night that Jodie McKeown showed why Australia’s enviable reputation for producing world class equestrians is well deserved. Taking part in the FEI World Championships for Para Driving in the Grade 1 class, our representative tested her skills against twenty-four well credentialled competitors from nine nations.

The competition took place at the magnificent multi-discipline equestrian complex at Exloo in The Netherlands. The livestream event commentator, Sarah Dance, was full of praise for Jodie and Royal Walker, the 7YO horse so generously loaned by George Bowman from the UK.

Jodie had her work cut out after the Day One Dressage when she placed 11th.  Day Two Jodie was third to go in the Marathon, her determination and focus were evident as she partnered the KWPN Hackney to produce a masterful display that clocked the fastest time on the day.

On the final day of competition, Jodie and Royal Walker were 7th in the Cones and this secured them the Individual Bonze Medal.  Congratulations to the reigning champion Tracy Bowman from the USA who successfully defended her title and took home the gold. The silver medal went to Germany’s Patricia Groberichter.

Australian equestrians and all fans of horse sport sincerely congratulate Jodie McKeone on her outstanding performance.

Results can be found HERE. 

For more information about Driving in Australia, click HERE.