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The final Para-equestrian event of the Paris Paralympic Games, the individual freestyle, saw the top eight riders from each grade compete for individual medals – Australian trio Lisa Martin, Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy had all qualified to ride down Versailles’ spectacular centreline for a third and final time.
The freestyle is a clean-slate competition, meaning no scores are carried over from either of the previous tests, and much like gymnastics, the marks for performances fall into two categories – technical and artistic – with each counting for 50% of the score.
The day dawned pleasantly cool, drizzly and overcast and all 40 horses were inspected by the Ground Jury for fitness to compete and all were accepted without issue – and so the stage was set for an enjoyable day of dancing in the sand.
Australia’s first horse and rider to hit the 20mx40m arena for the Grade V freestyle was Lisa Martin and ‘Vilaggio’, who yesterday were “quietly confident” about their routine, and had every right to be.
Martin’s choreography, music selection and the horse’s movement came together seamlessly. The combination of modern and dramatic music, prepared by Tom Hunt, not only complemented her artistic interpretation but also emphasised Vilaggio’s strengths – power and grace.
“I wanted him to feel that he could move today so I tried a few different things in the warm-up – getting him to go forward, a bit freer and loosening the back – and I think it worked. You can only ask so much of a young horse, but he really stepped up today,” Martin said.
A performance like that requires a deep connection between rider and horse, and despite only being together for a very short time, the combination finished sixth and scored a very respectable 71.905% for their final ride at Versailles.
“The backdrop, the atmosphere, the crowds have been awesome – I’d love to keep competing here if I could! But it has been nearly three months since I’ve seen my family, and my dog, horses, and garden – so let’s go home!” she added.
Next up for Australia was Stella Barton riding Jade Moody’s chestnut stallion ‘Lord Lamarque’ who entered the arena to reverent silence – a prerequisite in Grade I.
Dancing to their Hanz Zimmer “Australia” freestyle, the pair had onlookers in awe with the level of communication, impressive presence, and undeniable connection as they navigated each intricate movement with ease and coordination – a stellar performance beyond her 25 years.
After her final halt and salute, spectators erupted into appreciative cheers and thunderous applause, though silent, and Barton exited with both hands held high and with an enormous smile – the pair scored 73.960% to finish seventh.
“The atmosphere was incredible, and I absolutely loved it out there. Bug did so well, and I really felt like he was with me today. Thank you to him and to everybody who helped to get me to my first Paralympic Games,” an emotional Barton said.
Bridget Murphy was the final Australian to put her steed ‘Penmain Promise’, affectionately known as Macey, through the curious rigours of dressage in Grade II and anticipation and excitement filled the air as the talk of the town entered the arena.
As the beat dropped on the upbeat version of Men at Work’s ‘Down Under’, the crowd’s toes were tapping as Murphy and Macey glided across the sand, performing beautifully to score 70.154% and finish seventh.
“Macey was so much more confident today so I felt I could really push her, and she just embraced it. We made that floor plan to play to her strengths and it worked. She was so confident and ready to have a dance,” said Murphy.
Their test had energy, showed clear transitions and accuracy and drew praise from equestrian royalty, Denmark’s Paralympic legend Stinna Kaastrup who noted that, although Murphy’s body naturally leans to one side (due to her disability – multiple pterygium syndrome) it by no means impacts how evenly Macey works on both reins – a true testament to Murphy’s ability and the training she has done with this young mare.
Reflecting on her time at her maiden Paralympics, Murphy was proud and grateful; “It means everything, like all kids in Australia, I grew up thinking that wearing the green and gold is the pinnacle, and it was such an honour, and I hope that I did it proud.”
Which she, and her loveable 13hh young superstar, did in spades.
Australia’s Para-equestrians have ended their four-day competition and can all feel proud of their performances on such a spectacular stage.
By: Ashley Gillespie, Paralympics Australia
Published: 8 September 2024
