Para-Riders Take the Stage for the First Time at Equitana (Part 1)

Equestrian Australia is running a 4-part series, where we interview four of Australia's Para-Riders, who will each be riding this year at Equitana 2018, the first year Para-Equestrian has ever been featured at the event.

Our first featured Para-Rider is Bridget Murphy.

Bridget was born with Multiple Pyterigium Syndrome which means she has severe scoliosis, short stature and restricted movements in all joints. She is an up and coming Para-Rider, with aims of competing in Tokyo 2020 and beyond.

“Take the opportunities offered, work hard and trust that things will work out how they are meant to.”

What got you into horses?

Bridget: I was born with the 'horse gene', totally obsessed from the start.

How often do you ride?

Bridget: I ride 4-6 times a week, depending on what we have on. And that's a mix of lessons, schooling and hacks.

Tell me about your horse – name, age, breed, quirks and how you found each other?

Bridget: My competition horse is Koora-lyn Sunrise, he's an Australian Pony, owned by Ashwood Performance Horses. We were introduced by a mutual friend earlier this year and haven't looked back since. He's a champion and he totally knows it!

What are your goals (short or long term)?

Bridget: My goal at the moment is to qualify and hopefully make the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Team. Long term, I want to keep learning and growing as a rider and equestrian, and to ride as well as I can for as long as I can.

What advice would you give your younger self if you could go back in time?

Bridget: I'd tell myself to not let doubt hold you back. Take the opportunities offered, work hard and trust that things will work out how they are meant to.

Buy your Equitana 2018 tickets now at https://www.equitana.com.au/ticketing