Emma and Sandro are on the Road to Rio 

Photo supplied by Emma Booth

Words by Emma Booth

Less than two weeks until I head to Werribee for my first selection event for the Rio Paralympics. There are three selection events in Australia that will determine who will be representing Australia at Rio De Jeniro in 2016 and it seems like just yesterday I was speaking about these events as though they would never arrive, but here we are just two weeks away.

To take a step back though, for those that don’t know anything about my story, I will give a quick rundown. I was involved in a very serious car accident involving a truck in April of 2013 and sustained a number of serious injuries, but the damage to my spine and spinal cord left me as a paraplegic. I was in hospital and rehab for a number of months and it wasn’t until six months after my accident that I was able to get back in the saddle. I instantly set my sights high and decided to see if the next Paralympics was an option.

This was easier said than done. My riding basically started from scratch and I had to learn an entirely new way of communicating with the horse without my legs as an aid. It took me a few months to start to feel more balanced and stronger with my body and in all honesty it has really only been in the last six months that I have become more comfortable and confident with my riding. I have now been able to adjust, and using my previous riding knowledge I have found different aids that work for me. I have been able to discover how to get horses working in a forward manner whilst still being soft and supple without using leg as a support. This proved to be difficult at first but as a result of my disability I have gained an extra insight into the amazing intelligence of horses and their complete willingness to adapt. My aids work slightly differently for each horse that I ride but I often use voice commands with the soft use of a whip to assist understanding.

My goal now is to undertake the process of campaigning for Rio, which is a very big ask as I am vying for a position on a team of only four riders and there are a number of fantastic para athletes and beautiful horses contending. The first of the three selection events will be Dressage Festival at Werribee, followed by Boneo in January and Sydney in April but I have set myself a goal and plan to do my very best. With only two weeks until the first selection event I am feeling rather calm and confident. In fact I am actually really excited to get out there and give it a crack! I have been working with my horse Hollands Bend Santana (Sandro) for roughly three months and we are really coming together as a team. He is such a sweet horse and I enjoy training with him immensely. He is extremely intelligent; always thinking ahead and aiming to please.

Sandro being rewarded for his hard work

Photo supplied by Emma Booth

My training plan now is to keep doing everything the same. We will be attending a State Squad Clinic with Lone Jeorgensen on the 24^th and 25^th followed by running through our Grade 2 Para tests at Geelong Dressage Day at Elcho Park on the 28^th. On top of this I will keep Sandro’s work very consistent, maintain his health and diet and continue my training program as it is.

This campaign wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the generosity and kindness of so many people who have helped me financially, like my family friend Glenn Carter undertook the enormous task of cycling around Australia earlier this year in order to raise funds for my campaign. The kind donations of so many really did leave me feeling extremely overwhelmed. My partner Josh Brooker also raised funds for me this month through doing what is known as “Everesting” which was also amazingly successful.

My efforts are made so much easier with the support and assistance from my wonderful sponsors. Between now and Dressage Festival my brand new LTD Trailers float will arrive which has been completely custom made with side ramps for wheelchair access. Chris Holian who imports these fantastic floats from America has been incredibly helpful and generous with his sponsorship. Sandro is kept healthy and looking fantastic with “Digest”, a Bariki-Organics Horse Nutrition product that I couldn’t go without, so I give huge thanks to Brooke White for her ongoing assistance. BSM Sport has so many products that make each competition experience so much easier and user friendly. The stable curtains and stable bags are definitely my favourite items that have become so useful in long stays at competition venues. Thanks to Niki Dingwall for her support and aid in making sure I have all the amazing supplies that I need. And finally to my first and longest sponsor, Deborah Hurdle from Cranbourne Horse Power who makes sure Sandro and I have all of the everyday horsey needs, all which make my goal of getting to Rio that bit more achievable.

I will keep updates coming regarding my Rio campaign and keep you all informed as to my progress throughout selection events.

Until next time!

Photo supplied by Emma Booth

Thanks for reading and happy riding!