Marnie Clapham was recently crowned the overall Grade I Champion at the National Para Dressage Championships

© Kirsty Pasto/the Australian Equestrian

From the age of 4 it was clear that Marnie Clapham was destined for a life with horses. The budding young equestrian took to the sport immediately and quickly found herself qualifying for State Young Rider Championships.

At the age of 16 Marnie’s life changed when she had a stroke, which caused a brain haemorrhage. It has been a long journey for Marnie but she is back in the saddle and competing successfully at Para FEI Grade I Level. Most recently Marnie took the title of Grade I Champion at the Victorian Dressage Festival and overall Grade I Champion at the National Para Dressage Championships.

How did you get first start riding?

I started riding when I was 4 years old being led on my mum’s stockhorse and loved it from that moment. I got my first pony at age 6, a Shetland/Welsh called Holly, then progressed to my first baby pony, Tinkerbelle a 3YO Australian Saddle Pony, and competed in my first dressage test at 7 years old.

At 10, I qualified for NSW Young Rider Championships and achieved scores mid field against both Ponies and Warmbloods. I loved the journey of training horses and competing against myself to improve my scores. Each horse and pony presented individual challenges but much delight when you had the communication sorted.

Marnie Clapham started riding at the age of 4 by being led on her mum's stockhorse

© Kirsty Pasto/the Australian Equestrian Team

How long have you been competing in Para-Dressage?

I have been competing in EA National Classes since 2018 and FEI since 2019 at the National Para-Championships.

What do you like best about Equestrian sport?

I love the connection and communication that working with the horse provides to produce something beautiful. Horses do not discriminate about your disability. They provide my legs to move with grace and co-ordination.

Can you tell us a bit about your current horse?

Freedom Spyda aka Spyda is an amazing horse. He has an inner sense to work out what I am asking and he answers as a true ‘gentleman’. He has previously hunted, competed at eventing, competed in dressage and he is owned by a fellow para-equestrian, Anne Skinner. He has a loving and quirky personality. He is partial to liquorice and humbugs!!

Are there any special horses from the past that have been influential in your career?

Tinkerbelle – Aust Pony. She was the first horse (mare) to show me what good connection and trust means. She was willing to learn everything.

Matitojo Jack Daniels – aka Jack. Black buckskin Arab x Welsh. Jack taught me to be a tidy rider and have an appreciation for hacking and presentation. He was my first Galloway to take me to Australian Interschools.

Danson Flambeau (Whiz) – 16.2hh Arabian Warmblood, taught me how to train to accommodate structural challenges. This was assisted with correct training and instruction with the late Migual Tavora. I won the NSW Dressage Scholarship on him and achieved the highest score of the group with over 74%.

Kinnordy Rohan – aka Fred. 16.1hh Warmblood borrowed from my mum. I loved Fred and won at NSW State Young Rider, qualified and competed at Nationals. We had an amazing connection.

Let’s Groove – aka Levi, was a young, green Warmblood who I developed a trusted relationship and started his journey to progress through the grades. He taught me to have tenacity and consistency to overcome young horse challenges.

Bella – my first RDA horse. She opened the door to compete again. I won the NSW RDA Championships in 2016 with scores over 70%.
Freedom Spyda – 16.2 Warmblood cross. Spyda has given me my ‘mojo’ back for competing on a big horse again, loving our connection and returning to competing at a high level again which I never thought it would be possible. He has helped me realise my dream!

What Grade are you classified? What qualifies you to be in that Grade?

I am Grade 1. Grade 1 (Walk only test) aligned to a rider’s lack of balance or posture control

Winning Para Nationals 2019 is a career highlight for Marnie!

© Kirsty Pasto/the Australian Equestrian Team

What sort of physio/rehab do you undertake to help you be able to continue to ride?

In the past I have undertaken neuro physio rehab, physio strength sessions, reformer pilates, hydrotherapy.

What are your future, long and short term, goals in Equestrian and outside of Equestrian?

Improve my riding skills and improve to be the best I can be. Outside of equestrian I would like to share my story and provide inspiration about living every moment and focussing on the present.

What are some of your Equestrian Career Highlights?

Winning Para Nationals 2019, RDA Nationals 2019, training and competing my previous horses to National dressage and interschool level from a young age.

Marnie Clapham in the final halt at Boneo Park

© Kirsty Pasto/the Australian Equestrian Team

Any other interesting things about yourself you would like to share with us so our members and readers can get to know you?

Don’t ask me to recall yesterday or this morning as every hour can be a new hour and experience (My life is likened to the movie – 50 First Dates!)

From the age of 4 it was clear that Marnie Clapham was destined for a life with horses

© Kirsty Pasto/the Australian Equestrian Team

Source: Kirsty Pasto/the Australian Equestrian Team

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