Stella Barton and Lord Larmarque were the highest scoring combination at the Australian Dressage Championships. Image Oneeyedfrog Photography

Para riders ready for first Paralympic qualifier of 2024

Australian Para Equestrian riders are preparing for the final three Australian-based Paralympic qualifying events, with the first event set to be held at Willinga Park from the 16 - 18 February 2024.

Australia’s Nomination Criteria

To qualify for Paris, a combination must compete in two CPEDI 3* events between 1 January and 19 of June, and they must receive an overall percentage score of 67% or above in a Grand Prix Test A or B in at least two CPEDI 3* events between 1 October 2023 and 19 June 2024.

The complete criteria can be found HERE.

The events in Australia that scores will be considered from include:

• Australian Dressage Championships CPEDI (October 2023)
• Willinga Park CPEDI (16-18 February)
• Carlton Performance Horses CPEDI (12-14 April)
• Hawkesbury Dressage Festival CPEDI (15-17 June)

Top scores from the Australian Dressage Championships

Grade I:

• Stella Barton and Lord Larmarque were the highest scoring combination at the Australian Dressage Championships, and the only combination to receive scores above 70% in the Grand Prix Test A or B at the event. 
• The combination scored 72.361% in the Grade I Grand Prix Test A, 74.4% in the Grand Prix Test B, and 75.4% in the Grand Prix Freestyle. Their freestyle result was also enough to set the new Australian record for a Grade 1 Freestyle. You can read more about this performance HERE.

Grade II:

• Maddison Cooke and Byalee Magic II received qualifying scores at the Australian Championships, scoring 67.874% in the Grand Prix Test A, and were just short of 67% on 66.667% in the Grade II Grand Prix Test B.

Grade IV:

The scores were close in the Grade IV, with three combinations receiving higher than 67% in the Grand Prix Test A or B.

• 2022 World Championship rider Dianne Barnes and Sorena 7 received 69.028% in the Grand Prix Test A.
• Kirsty Van Loon and HV Dante received 67.732% in the Grand Prix Test A and 69.009% in the Test B.
• Claire Graham and Furst Olli 3 received 67.593% in the Grand Prix test A and 67.567% in the Test B.

Grade V:

• Chelsea De Jonge and Don Dancier were the only combination to receive the qualifying score at the Australian Dressage Championships, leading into 2024 with 67.991% in the Grand Prix Test A and 68.114% in the Grand Prix Test B.

How to watch:

Equestrian Life will be streaming all three qualifiers in partnership with Clip My Horse. You can watch these events LIVE & FREE on our website: HERE

Published 06 February 2024

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