Racing SA, Racing SA Weekly, 7 April 2022
As part of a partnership with Equine Pathways Australia, Racing SA is supporting three South Australian riders competing at the Australian National Para-dressage competition at Boneo Park in Victoria which starts today. The event is a qualifier for the World Equestrian Games to be held in Denmark later in 2022, and for some the first step in qualifying for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
SA rider Noella “Chook” Angel (right, pictured with fellow competitior Lauren French) says for her this year’s Nationals is all about the chance to connect, celebrate and enjoy time with fellow riders who can relate to the challenges she constantly faces after being born with vascular malformation affecting her right leg.
“This year has more meaning than last – there are two parts; one, I’m to compete for the first time on my young thoroughbred (by Sharkbite) who attended to watch last year, and came along so well that we are ready to have a crack this year; and two, this will likely be my last interstate event before my TKA amputation,” Angel said.
“I know full well that I’ll be back on after the surgery, but this event is the last chance to connect, celebrate, enjoy a road trip, and enjoy time with fellow riders that understand this path we are on.”
Naomi Zirnzak is also representing South Australia in her bid to reach the highest level of the sport, along with 34 year old Lauren French who was born with cerebral palsy from the waist down.
“Horse riding has always been a huge part of my life. I have been lucky enough to be riding since I was four years old. It has not only been a form of therapy, but a way to be able to participate in a sport against other para riders, and also in open competition against able bodied riders,” French said.
Racing SA is also supporting a series of EPA clinics – the first for this year will be held at The Riding Patch at Strathalbyn on the 23rd and 24th of April. The clinic is for people with injury, illness or disability who’d like the chance to connect and develop their skills using horses. All ages and abilities are welcome, from beginner’s right through to the elite.
World renowned coach and EPA founder Julia Battams will be running the clinic across both days.
“It’s important for industry to support and give back to all things equine, and the EPA run incredible programs that in some instances may help people achieve life goals that they didn’t think were possible,” said Racing SA CEO Nick Redin.
“Some people come to these clinics for recreation, some are in it for high performance, and if you used to ride, and have got that competitive streak I’d really encourage you to come along as you never know where it could lead.
“Alternatively even if you’ve never ridden before and never been near a horse, the connection and empathy a horse can have is a wonderful thing.
“The EPA instructors also have the ability to come up with the aids to help every rider, no matter what the disability, to sit properly on a horse. It’s also a great community to get involved with and to meet other like-minded people and families,” he said.
Along with mounted lessons from qualified dressage coaches, allied health providers will be on hand including an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, an exercise physiologist, a sports psychologist and also an NDI recreational therapist. The cost is $200 each day which may be claimable via NDIS.
To book, click here.
