Get Set: Para-Equestrian is Featured for the First Time at Equitana 2018

Over the next two weeks, in the exciting build up to Equitana, 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.

Para-Equestrian Dressage is the only equestrian discipline that is included in the Paralympic Games, where it has been a regular fixture since 1996. Para-Equestrian creates opportunities for all people with disabilities to compete and achieve their goals in equestrian sport. For the first time ever, Equitana is featuring Para-Equestrian as a discipline as part of the event. As well as a dedicated Para-Equestrian Stall, and a must-see Para-Dressage Freestyle display, there will be three education sessions:

• on grades, classification and compensating aids;
• coaching a Para-Rider and finding a Para-Horse;
• Para-Equestrian at High Performance level and able-bodied competition.

Sharon Jarvis, the National Para-Riders Rep will be on site, as MC and helping to facilitate all the Para-Equestrian happenings.

At 7 years of age, Sharon was diagnosed with Bone Cancer in her left femur, a rare tumour which usually occurs in teenage boys. Originally given the prognosis of 3 months to live, Sharon defied the odds and after a year of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy was cleared of the cancer.

The next year her leg broke in the same place due to weakness, and after many operations and bone grafts, Sharon has been left with limited movement and strength from the waist down particularly on the left side.

Sharon has not let this hold her back, she was a two-time Bronze medallist at the 2010 Kentucky World Equestrian Games.

“I am very excited about the Para Equestrian Displays that are taking place at Equitana 2018, especially the Freestyle display in the Main Arena on Friday Night, just before the CDI-W Freestyle.

These displays provide our sport an opportunity to showcase what our riders are capable of and open the eyes of the public to the achievements of both our up-and coming and high-performance riders. The stories behind these riders are inspiring and show what can be achieved when faced by adversity. 

The three education sessions are aimed to provide the public with some insight into who is eligible to compete in Para, how to go about getting classified to compete and then how to go about competing and progressing through to a High-Performance level.

I would also like to thank the companies who are supporting our sport and enabling the participation at EQUITANA. We hope this will continue into the future.” said Sharon.

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