Dianne Barnes and Cil Dara Cosmic.

© Roger Fitzhardinge

Roger Fitzhardinge chats with Dianne Barnes

By Roger Fitzhardinge

On chatting to Di Barnes after her tests at the FEI World Championships in Herning, she was so pragmatic. From winning champion hacks at Royal Shows… to riding at the FEI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!

“It has been a very steep learning curve, not only about riding dressage, but also about learning to cope with a disability. To think that my daughter would encourage me to have a crack at my age on her horse that means the world to her, was inspirational enough to kick-start me in o a new and obtainable dream.

“I was diagnosed with Parkinsons two years ago, and that rocked me, but I now realise that there are a lot worse things than what I have to put up with! About 12 months ago I started riding this wonderful mare, and I was graded originally as a Grade V but am now a Grade IV as my left side has become weaker.

The mare had a few upsetting moments loading on the trip over, and that was not such a great time, but has now recovered fully and was able to have a few days in a grassy paddock at Christoph Koschel’s in Germany and is now great.

“She is very easy, but she is a mare and needs time to process things. She has been quite amazing actually and has taken it all in her stride. I really have only done five competitions to this day with her, and have been gaining way all the time. I feel very secure and understand her and what is necessary to get more points, and I will be doing just that.

“The Team Test was a great test for me, though I do like the Individual Test better, as it has a bit more in it and so keeps us on the boil. Now being able to have a caller, as my memory is severely compromised, takes a bit of pressure off me and I can feel more about the mare, rather than working about where the hell I am up to.

Dianne Barnes with daughter Jodie and Cil Dara Cosmic.

© Roger Fitzhardinge

“I have not been at all concerned about the tests nor competition, as I am a seasoned, older campaigner when it comes to showing, and by the living hell I am no princess and can fend for myself, and that is pretty important over here even though there are plenty of officials. I know my job and just get it done!

“To be amongst the best of the best is quite amazing and I have two say that it’s sort of like dressage heaven and about truly living the dream. Though there is no time for dreaming, or you will be lost. The mare had colic surgery a few years ago and thankfully all has been well, but we keep an eye on everything.

“I feel that I fit in here, though when I see the quality of the horses here and the expression they have, I realise that we simply need to focus on getting better quality horses under us. It will be interesting to see what happens after this, but in all honesty I know where we stand in the ranking of horses here and I hold my head high as an Aussie, and know that I can get better.

“Whether I have another crack for Paris (Paralympics, 2024) will depend on a lot of things… that’s life isn’t it… I am so pleased that I have had this opportunity and the game isn’t over ‘til the fat girl sings, as they say. I am up for it and will be challenging myself to improve  every ride.”

What an amazing athlete and what an amazing will for living, and so much positivity in a sport that is easy to knock you off your feet. Not Di!
 

Read more about the Aussie para dressage team in the August issue of Equestrian Life here.

You can watch all the action from the FEI World Championships in Herning via Clip My Horse TV.

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