Main image: Lisa Martin and Vilaggio competing for Australia in the Team Competition. Image by KimC.nu by Ateni AB.
Inside Paris | Presented by RB Sellars
The Team Competition has wrapped up at the Paris Paralympics, with the USA claiming gold, the Netherlands silver, and Germany the bronze.
Two-time Paralympian Emma Booth reports on Friday’s classes:
Grade V: Lisa Martin posts first score for Australia
Lisa Martin had Australian viewers on their toes as she entered the main arena today with groom Maddy running alongside her and Vilaggio, but these fears were soon put to ease once they got into a rhythm after a rather wobbly centerline. The remainder of the test was pleasing to watch, and as the first rider to put a score on the board for Australia, Lisa did us proud with a solid 68.868% and sixth place in the class.
Michele George and her mare Best of 8 are the definition of harmony. Michele makes this rather intricate test look incredibly easy, which is a testament to her skill as a gold medal-winning rider. They produced fluent, balanced work and established a very high score of 77.868% for team Belgium in Versailles today.
Regine Mispelkamp and Highlander Delight’s got the German team off to an awesome start with an impressive 75.500%. These two added over two percent to their score in the Individual when they won silver.
Sophie Wells and her young mare LJT Egebjerggards Samoa did Great Britain proud with a score of 70.895%, even with a few misunderstandings throughout. They are a lovely pair to watch, and Sophie showed why she is one of the best in the world, with how she carefully encouraged this inexperienced horse around the arena.
Lisa Martin and Vilaggio scored 68.868% in the Team Competition. Image by KimC.nu by Ateni AB.
Regine Mispelkamp and Highlander Delight’s were part of the bronze medal winning German team, scoring 75.5% to be the second highest in Grade V. Image by FEI/Liz Gregg.
Grade I: Stella Barton wins our hearts all over again!
I would be surprised if there was a dry eye watching Stella dance on the world stage with Lord Larmarque in Paris today. From start to finish the pair had us in awe with the level of communication, impressive presence, and clear connection shared. The only small hiccup (that was rather costly) was towards the end of the test when Bug decided he needed a bathroom break and stopped mid circle. Although Stella attempted to keep him moving, he didn’t continue until he was finished. Despite this little setback Stella put this mishap behind her and like the true professional she is, effortlessly completed the remaining movements of her test. In this incredible 20mx40m arena at the Chateau de Versailles we watched this awesome Aussie pair gain an unbelievable score of 70.375% for seventh place in the Grade I.
The first combination to hit the 20mx40m arena for the Grade I team test was Norway’s Jens Lasse Dokkan riding Alladin. The two make such a beautiful picture and you couldn’t help but smile while they set the tone for these Grade I athletes. I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of meeting Aladdin in person at qualifying events earlier this year and you honestly can’t help but fall in love with this sweetheart’s gorgeous nature. Well done Jens and Alladin with a great score of 69.875% giving Norway a total percentage score of 204.677.
Sara Morganti from Italy was the second rider into the arena and this beautiful walk test with Mariebelle was worth every bit of 79.458%. Sara was the first of the Italian riders and you couldn’t have asked for more, absolute harmony in motion!
The U.S.A’s Roxanna Trunnel was next on the world stage in Paris and although she produced such stunning work, she was just topped by Sara, scoring 77.000% with Fan Tastico H.
Michael Murphy from Ireland was a Grade I standout with Cleverboy. Michael rode a beautifully put together test that showed a marching, four beat walk throughout, combined with accuracy that earned them a super score of 72.042%.
Stella Barton and Lord Larmarque were the second out for Australia in the Team Competition, scoring 70.375% in the Grade I. Image by by KimC.nu by Ateni AB.
Grade II: Bridget Murphy completes Aussie team score
Bridget Murphy has all of our attention, and we are loving every second of it! Bridget and Penmain Promise were the final combination to take the stage for Team Australia and they did a wonderful job, gaining a great score of 67.100%. There were a few little moments of miscommunication, but Bridget recovered quickly after each. The test had energy, showed clear transitions and accuracy throughout. Although Bridget’s body naturally leans to one side, this by no means has an impact on how evenly Penmain Promise works on both reins, a true testament to Bridget’s ability and the training she has done with this young mare. This pair have made us all so proud and they are only just getting started. Make sure you tune in to the Freestyle tomorrow to watch these lovely ladies dance up a storm in Paris!
Fiona Howard from U.S.A was the first rider to crack 80% at the Paralympics in Paris with horse Diamond Dunes, not bad for her debut! This combination were breathtaking and deserved every mark they received. At such a young age I think it’s safe to say these two have got a long, successful career ahead.
Double world champion Katrine Kristensen from Denmark came second with a score of 75.200% aboard Goerklintgaards Quater, followed very closely by Pepo Puch and Sailor’s Blue from Austria on 74.100%, with both riders putting on a wonderful show for all to see.
Bridget Murphy and Penmain Promise scored 67.100% in the Grade I Team Competition. Image by KimC.nu by Ateni AB.
Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes were part of the gold medal winning US team and also posted the biggest score of the day with 80%. Image by FEI/Liz Gregg.
Grade IV: Dutch riders dominate in Paris
The Grade IV riders were the first to hit the arena for the Team Competition in Paris today. There were so many lovely combinations in this field that it made it hard to pick only one standout combination – some very close scores kept us holding our breath till the very last rider.
Dutch rider and Individual gold medallist Demi Haerkens topped the Grade IV class again with Daula, coming away with a score of 78.216%. One of the best terms I can use to describe this pair is flawless – they are the ultimate duo and are hard to fault. Demi is relatively new to the para equestrian scene, with Paris being her first Paralympics, so there is no doubt in my mind that she is one to watch in the future as she continues to achieve and do great things for para dressage as a sport.
Sanne Voets from the Netherlands placed second in Grade IV with Demantur, and I’m so glad because I thoroughly enjoyed watching this test. They started off with her gelding being ever so slightly behind the aid, but Sanne’s experience shone as she navigated this with ease, and before missing a beat they were on the same page again. This combination is so pleasing to watch, simultaneously embodying relaxation and energy, which is something all dressage riders strive to achieve and the “element” judges love to see. The duo’s 75.595% has really assisted the Dutch team on the scoreboard in Paris today.
France had two competitors in the Grade IV, Vladimir Vinchon and Alexia Pittier, who both put forward their absolute best performances and were real highlights for me. It was so heartwarming to see these two combinations excel in front of their home crowd. I gave a rather big mention to Vladimir after the Individual competition on Wednesday, and he absolutely topped his performance yet again, scoring 75.081%.
Demi Haerkens and Daula were part of the silver medal winning Dutch team and posted the top score in Grade IV. Image by FEI/Liz Gregg.
Grade III: Rebecca Hart brings it home for the USA
The team competition came to a dramatic and nail biting head with the final riders of the day taking to the stage in the Grade III.
Natasha Baker from Great Britain was the first rider to enter the arena for Grade III. The experienced Baker rode a fluent and easy to watch test aboard her mare, Dawn Chorus. She did Team GB proud, gaining the highest score for their team of three with over 75%.
It was not long before Rixt Van Der Horst from the Netherlands entered the arena and topped this score whilst simultaneously knocking GB down a rung on the team leaderboard. Rixt and Royal Fonq, even with a few little mistakes, scored a huge 78.067% with a test that oozed cadence, power, and precision. The transitions were clear, the contact steady, and the overall picture harmonious. An absolute thrill to watch with so much energy!
U.S.A’s Rebecca Hart followed into the arena next and boy was it close between these two Grade III riders, with Hart just taking the lead on a score of 78.567%. This combination displayed expressive paces and coordination in all movements. They were the final rider from Team U.S.A and helped push them into the gold medal position.
The overall team medals for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games were as follows:
U.S.A = Gold (235.567)
Netherlands = Silver (232.850)
Germany = Bronze (223.751)
Australia = 206.343 (12th)
Congratulations to all horse and rider combinations that took part in the Team competition, especially our all-female Australian line up, Lisa Martin, Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy. Go Aussies!
About the Team Competition:
The Team Competition includes 15 nations: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden and the USA.
Teams are made up three athletes, at least one of which must be in Grades I, II or III. No more than two athletes within a team may be the same grade.
No scores are carried over from the Individual Competition, and the scores of all three team members are combined to produce a team total.
