By Derek Schlennstedt
Bridget Murphy cannot remember a time when she did not love horses.
For her, riding is a release.
A driven and motivated 29-year-old, Bridget’s dream is to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, 2020.
That dream is a little closer now after she found the dressage horse ‘Sunrise’ (Sunny) who she believes will take her to Tokyo.
Documenting her journey, the connection between rider and horse, and the inspirational attitude that Bridget exhibits is 16-year-old Healesville resident, Abigail van Bergeijk, who has produced a video focusing on Bridget’s ability as a dressage rider, which overwhelmingly overshadows her disability.
The video is part of the open entrant – documentary genre in this years Focus On Ability Short Film festival.
“I heard about the festival and was really interested in entering it,” Abi said.
“The festival asks film makers to focus on the ability of a person with a disability … I immediately thought of Bridget because I’ve grown up riding with her and looking up to her and she’s always been an inspiration to me.”
Bridget was born with Multiple Pterygium Syndrome meaning she has muscle weaknesses and joint formations that restrict her movement.
Though, she has never let her disability stop her from reaching her goal to compete at the Tokyo Olympics in Para Dressage, which she describes as “dancing on Horseback”.
“I think every horse rider has that dream of representing their country … I didn’t think it was possible until two to three years ago when I met some people who were quite influential,” she said.
“There is always a way, you just have to find the way that works for you.”
Pairing and finding a horse that matches Bridget’s riding style is extremely important.
In March this year, a mutual friend of Bridget’s was the key to finding ‘Sunny’ a horse from Ashwood Performance Horses in Don Valley, who Bridget said is “perfect”.
Already the duo are showing their capabilities by scoring well at competitions.
“I’ve just started riding sunny this year and we’re going to campaign together … he is an amazing and very special horse,” Bridget said.
“We went into the first comp with seven rides together and scored really well.”
The video created, edited and produced entirely by Abi, with the help of an original score by her friend Chloe, has since attracted over 1000 views on the Focus on Ability website.
Both Abi and Bridget said they were amazed by the incredible outpouring of support..
Both said the support that it has got so far is amazing and they ‘weren’t really expecting it’.
The Focus On Ability Short Film Awards are in their 10th year and attracts entries from all over the world.
*People can vote for the film until 3 July.
To view Abi’s video and vote visit; https://bit.ly/2InnFEP
