The British Paralympic dressage workforce for Paris 2024 has been introduced, with Video games debutant and present world primary Mari Durward-Akhurst chosen alongside Georgia Wilson plus workforce stalwarts Natasha Baker and Sophie Wells.
It’s not but been revealed which three riders will probably be a part of the workforce who contest the workforce medals, however all 4 will journey the person check (grand prix A), which determines the primary set of particular person medals. The highest eight from every grade within the particular person check may even contest the freestyle for a second medal alternative.
Britain has gained workforce gold at each Paralympic Video games because the self-discipline joined the programme. Natasha and Sophie had been a part of the gold-medal-winning workforce in Tokyo and each will journey the identical horses they did then.
Sophie, using at her fourth Video games, will probably be on Don Cara M, with whom she additionally gained particular person bronze and silver on the 2022 World Championships and particular person silver in Tokyo.
Natasha may even be competing at her fourth Video games and will probably be using Keystone Daybreak Refrain. It’ll be an emotional event for Natasha who returned to using a yr in the past after the start of her son and solely returned to competitors in Might this yr.
Georgia will probably be using Sakura, who she gained two bronze medals (particular person and freestyle) with on her Paralympic debut in Tokyo.
Mari will probably be using the super-experienced Athene Lindebjerg who gained three gold medals on the Rio Video games with Sophie Christiansen.
Para equestrian’s workforce chief, Georgina Sharples, mentioned: “It’s been a really robust marketing campaign for all of the British combos aiming for the Video games this yr and so they definitely didn’t make this a straightforward resolution for the choice panel.
“Nonetheless, I need to supply my congratulations to Mari, Georgia, Natasha and Sophie for being the chosen 4 and the achievements that make them this level.
“There’s an excellent stability of expertise and potential between our 4 athletes, and I sit up for seeing what they will obtain once we attain Versailles. The competitors from different nations has by no means been fiercer, however we go to Paris with each intention of difficult for podium placings and hopefully we are able to do everybody proud.”
British Paralympic dressage workforce for Paris 2024
Grade I
Mari Durward-Akhurst with 17-year-old Athene LindebjergOwner: Diane Redfern, Nick Durward-Akhurst and Rob WaineBreeders: Mr and Mrs BechBreeding: by Gribaldi, out of a mare by Alberte Lindebjerg
Grade II
Georgia Wilson with 10-year-old SakuraOwners: rider, and her dad and mom Geoff and Julie WilsonBreeder: G EilbergBreeding: by Supertramp, out of a mare by Rockstar
Grade III
Natasha Baker with 13-year-old Keystone Daybreak ChorusOwners: Joanna Jensen, Christian Landolt, and Natasha’s dad and mom Phil and Lorraine BakerBreeder: S LavenderaBreeding: by Dimaggio, out of a mare by Escudo
Grade V
Sophie Wells with 15-year-old Don Cara MOwner: Rowland KinchBreeder: HM MelisBreeding: by Don Jovi, out of a mare by Rafurstinels
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Credit score: Getty Photographs
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H&H dressage and sport horse editor
Oscar graduated from York St John College with a grasp’s diploma in Literature in 2021 and joined Horse & Hound in October 2023. Oscar labored for high dressage rider Emile Faurie for 4 years after ending an equine administration course in school. Below Emile’s tutelage, Oscar competed on the 2015 Nationwide Dressage Championships and travelled with Emile’s horses to CDIs at Aachen, Vidauban, Saumur and Achlieiten. Oscar continues to compete in dressage, alongside his day job.
