Sharon Jarvis and Ceasy.

© Rozzie Ryan

By Rozzie Ryan

Our Para-Equestrian team members have arrived safely and are settling in to Deodoro.

The facilities and surfaces in warm up arenas are really good. Work has started and apart from our morning ride coinciding with a marching band practice and the afternoon session with firing range practice, all is fine. In fact, everyone coped admirably and I guess it shows how seasoned these horses need to be.

The Australian Para-Equestrian team arriving in Rio.

© Rozzie Ryan

 

The stables are now pretty full with all nations and the atmosphere is building. The Aussies consist of Emma Booth and Mogelvangs Zidane who are grade two, with groom Shahira Ameen, Emma's mum Raelene and rest of Family Booth are on the way.

Sharon Jarvis and Ceasy are grade three, with groom Emma Bardot and Sharon's mum Joy.

Katie Umback and Gronskovlunds Marquis are also grade three, and are with groom Sam Moran and Katie's partner Mike Tilley.

Lisa Martin and First Famous (grade four) with groom Maddison McAndrew, and Jason and Jess Martin are on their way.

Managing the logistics of all this is Julia Battams and Sally Francis. Keeping the riders in one piece is Vic Kahn and the horses in one piece is Dennis "Bear" watch out for your sandwiches Goulding.

Coaches are Lone Joergensen, Tristan Tucker and myself.

The riders all seem very focussed and in good spirits and we have four wonderful, quality horses.

Exciting!

On a personal note I've been bitten by mozzies who seem to like Bushman's spray. I'm hoping not to bring Zika home, but don't worry I'm not pregnant.

Emma Booth and Zidane in Rio.

© Rozzie Ryan

Read the latest news.