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Emma Booth and her horse Zidane entered the arena for the last time tonight performing their final dance in the Grade III Freestyle Test.
Zidane who partnered with Booth in the 2016 Rio Games made history by being the only horse to compete at two separate Paralympic Games.
The dynamic duo who have shared an incredible career together put in a solid performance to capture a score of 73.807% to place 5th in the event.
“Zidane will be retiring after tonight and he has definitely earned it,” said Booth.
“He’s a very special horse and I was really glad he remained relaxed, we hit all our music to put in an accurate performance.”
The rider’s creative flares were on show in the Freestyle Test, with riders given the freedom to pick their own music and sequence.
The duo danced to the soundtrack of “The Last Samurai” which was the idea of Booth’s coach.
“It really fitted with Zidane and how he moves, it was quite powerful without being overbearing. I think when you pick your freestyle music it has to be something you enjoy and we really enjoyed dancing to it tonight,” said Booth.
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Booth had nothing but praise for the organisers of the Tokyo Games.
“It has been absolutely incredible. Japan has done a phenomenal job in putting the event together, given the state of the world at the moment. They have really gone to extra lengths, you can’t really appreciate unless you’re here, they have just done an absolutely awesome job,” said Booth.
Amelia White and her horse Genius surpassed all expectations when they danced their way through a spectacular Freestyle Test this evening to capture a score of 72.660% and place 6th in the Grade V division.
Not only is the Tokyo Paralympics the duo’s maiden Paralympic Games, it is also their first major championship, setting them up well for future successes.
The newcomer who was pleasantly surprised with her performance now has her sights set on the Paris 2024 games.
“It is just the beginning for us, I’d really like to be closer to the top with the European riders and if not better than them eventually,” said White.
“I’m super happy, Genius has been taking everything in his stride, I don’t think he could have given me anymore, he gave me more than he did yesterday and then yesterday he gave me more than the first day. I am so incredibly happy with him.”
White said there was something different about the arena tonight, feeling a huge atmosphere that was made for riding.
“It was like there was suddenly a bigger atmosphere – it was our night,” said White.
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Freestyle is fast becoming the pet event for White who didn’t take to the event initially.
“I didn’t enjoy it as much at the beginning, I was always a little bit nervous because it was very new to me and now I really enjoy it,” said White.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity to demonstrate not only where you are in training but your potential as well.”
White who approached the test with caution said it can be very expensive test if you get it wrong.
“It’s a challenge to find the music that resonates with the audience, fits with your horse, and something that you like,” said White.
When asked about what she would take away from her Paralympic debut White said she will look back on a great time with her fellow riders.
“I think it’s been a super event, the venue is fantastic and everything has gone very smoothly,” said White.
Tonight marked the end of the Aussie Para-Equestrian Tokyo Campaign. The team will relax and reset before returning home on 2 September.
Watch the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games live and free on Seven and 7plus from August 24 – September 5.
By: Amanda Scott, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 20 August 2021
