Emma Booth and Zidane during arena familiarisation.

© Jon Stroud Media

Emma Booth & Zidane qualify for the Freestyle in Tokyo

By Equestrian Life

Australian Paralympian Emma Booth and her long-time partner Zidane have produced a terrific performance in Tokyo, scoring 70.059% in the Individual Test to finish eighth and qualify for Monday’s Freestyle.

The pair completed a very consistent test, scoring as high as a 9 for the final halt. The pair have now contested three major championships: the Rio Paralympics in 2016, the Tryon World Equestrian Games in 2018, and now the Tokyo Paralympics. Between the first two championships in 2017, Zidane suffered a very serious bout of colic and had major surgery; he not only survived, but returned to competing at the elite level.

Congratulations to Emma and Zidane!

The gold medal in the Individual Grade III went to Denmark’s Tobias Thorning Jorgensen and Jolene Hill on 78.971%, silver went to Great Britain’s Natasha Baker and Keystone Dawn Chorus on 76.265%, and bronze went to Rixt van der Horst and Findsley of the Netherlands on 75.765%.

The Grade I also took place this evening, with favourite Roxanne Trunnell of the USA claiming gold aboard Dolton on a huge 81.464%. Silver went to Latvia’s Rihards Snikus and King of the Dance on 80.179%, while bronze went to Italy’s Sara Morganti and Royal Delight on 76.964%.

Full results can be found here.

The Team competition begins tomorrow in Tokyo, with Australia’s team to be announced shortly.

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