Stella Barton started horse riding at Riding for the Disabled when she was seven years old. At what was meant to be her final lesson, Canadian equestrian para-coach Mary Longden saw her ride, telling Stella and her family she should be training for the Paralympics.

Stella was introduced to renowned coach Sally Francis OAM at 14 years old, describing it as a ‘true sliding doors moment’, all thanks to her mother. Francis still coaches Barton today.

In 2022, Stella graduated from university and decided to dedicate the next 18 months working towards selection for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Pride for the green and gold undoubtedly runs in the Barton blood with Edmond Barton, Australia’s first Prime Minister, Stella’s great, great, great uncle.

For Stella, competing at the Paralympics would be a dream come true, she believes representing Australia at an international level such as the Paralympics is the ultimate …

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Date of birth
30 May 1999
Sport
Para-equestrian
Impairment
Physical Impairment
How acquired
Congenital
Residence
Melbourne, VIC
Occupation
Disability Advocacy
Started competing
2016
Sport career highlights

Competing at Hartpury Festival of Dressage in England in 2023

Favourite quote
You get proud by practicing - Laura Hershey

Disciplines

  • Sport: Para-equestrian Classification: Grade I

Social Media

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