Main image: Dianne Barnes and Sorena, by Click Capture.
Together since October 2022, Dianne Barnes and Sorena have built a strong partnership that will see them compete at the 2024 Paris Paralympics next month.
One of four para equestrian combinations set to represent Australia, Di will be riding alongside Stella Barton and Lord Larmarque, Bridget Murphy and Penmain Promise, and Lisa Martin and Vilaggio when the para equestrian competition begins from 3 September.
Speaking to Equestrian Life for an article in our August issue, Di says that of making the Australian team for the Gamers, she is incredibly excited and quietly nervous at the same time. “Each of our team members have worked incredibly hard to get there and we all are there to support each other. How lucky am I to be representing my country at 66 years of age, with these women.”
“After competing at the 2022 FEI World Championships with my daughter Jodie’s mare, Cil Dara Cosmic, she asked me if I had a choice of any horse to ride to try and qualify for Paris Paralympics, which horse would it be?
“I answered straight away and said that beautiful black mare Sharyn McCombe has imported out from Germany a few months before; Jodie agreed, as she’d had the same thought.
“With that in mind, we messaged Sharyn straight away asking if she would be interested in leasing me Sorena, and to my amazement she agreed,” explains Di. “I picked Sorena up as soon as possible, in October 2022. Sharyn has been an incredible owner, and I will be forever grateful to her.”
Di and Sorena competing at the final Australian-based Paralympic qualifier at Hawkesbury Dressage Festival. Image by Click Capture.
Sorena is a 14-year-old German-bred Oldenburg mare by Sir Donnerhall II (Sandro Hit), out of Romina (Rotspon).
“As with any new equine partnership, it takes time to get to know each other. I have regular lessons with Reiner Kramer, who has helped me no end to continue to improve my riding.”
Together, the pair have achieved scores as high as 72.222% in the grand Prix A, 70.180% in the Grand Prix B, and 74.558% in the Freestyle.
Di explains that her disability is Parkinson’s Disease, as well as Dystonia in her neck, and memory issues – the latter meaning she has approval to have her competition tests called.
For Di and Sorena, 2024 has proven to be a successful competition year. “Three of the last four qualifying competitions prior to Paris, Sorena and I have been the overall Grade IV champions. In the current FEI Para Dressage World Individual Ranking for Grade IV, Sorena and I are seventeenth and the highest placed Australians.”
“How lucky am I… my life is good!”
